**Red Roses Icon Sarah Hunter Says Upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup to Become Turning Point for Sport**
With England set to host the largest Women’s Rugby World Cup in history later this summer, former Red Roses captain Sarah Hunter has shared her belief that the tournament will mark a watershed moment, both for the current landscape and the future of the game. The competition, set to kick off in Sunderland on 22 August, is already attracting unprecedented levels of interest, with record ticket sales indicating heightened enthusiasm among sport supporters.
Having led England to glory in 2014 and represented her country in four World Cup campaigns before retiring in 2023, Hunter stands as one of women’s rugby’s most influential figures. In an exclusive interview, she emphasised that the tournament’s significance goes well beyond national pride or ticket figures. “Because we’re in England, it’s tempting to focus on the local impact, but what’s unfolding here has the potential for a profound global ripple effect,” she explained.
International inclusivity is at the heart of Hunter’s enthusiasm. The 2025 tournament will be graced by debutantes such as Brazil and the return of Samoa, their first appearance in over a decade. The inclusion of teams from less traditional rugby nations like Canada and the USA further demonstrates the expanding reach of women’s rugby. “It’s what makes the women’s game unique. We’re seeing rugby grow in countries where the sport hasn’t historically been prominent, and that’s immensely exciting,” Hunter remarked. Her comments reflect the hope that the global audience tuning in—in territories where rugby might not even be mainstream—could serve as a springboard for the sport’s adoption and growth worldwide.
This tournament is expected to serve as both an inspiration for budding players and a galvanising force for fans worldwide. With a surge in media attention and visiting audiences, Hunter is confident the World Cup’s broad exposure will attract new enthusiasts as well as aspiring athletes. “It’s not just about the matches. It’s about creating a genuine legacy, providing opportunities to those who might never have considered rugby before,” she highlighted.
Beyond the pitch, the legacy Hunter describes is also taking shape in the coaching sphere. Women’s presence in elite coaching positions has historically lagged behind, and the impending tournament aims to address this through pivotal initiatives. Foremost among them is the Gallagher High Performance Academy (GHPA), a World Rugby effort that will see 16 female coaches placed with their national squads during the World Cup. The programme includes mentoring, access to workshops, and the invaluable experience of working within high-pressure tournament environments.
Hunter herself, now serving as England’s defence coach and a member of the first GHPA cohort, credits these opportunities for helping break down significant barriers. “One of the biggest challenges is that many women don’t even realise coaching pathways exist. There’s sometimes a reluctance to appoint someone whose résumé doesn’t match the traditional mould, even when they have the right skills. This initiative is changing that,” she noted.
Since welcoming her daughter Olivia last October, Hunter’s own return to the England set-up has been a testament to the changes afoot. She views the academy’s work as essential for introducing untapped talent into the sport’s highest echelons: “It’s about opening the door for skilled women who might otherwise be overlooked. Once they’re inside, the value they add speaks for itself.”
As England prepares to roll out the red carpet to teams and fans from across the world, conversation has naturally turned to expectations and hopes for the event’s impact. A sense of optimism permeates preparations as the rugby community eagerly anticipates the stories, role models, and memories that will emerge.
With momentum building, the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup stands poised not only to rewrite record books, but also to establish new norms and inspire generations. As Hunter and her colleagues rally support on and off the pitch, one message is clear: this summer’s sporting spectacle could be a defining chapter for women’s rugby everywhere.