Natasha Hunt Ready for New Zealand Test as She Embraces Career Renaissance

England scrum-half Natasha Hunt is eagerly anticipating the clash against New Zealand at Twickenham this Saturday, as she continues her international comeback under new head coach John Mitchell. The 35-year-old veteran, who was a notable omission from England’s 2022 Rugby World Cup squad, has rejuvenated her career, playing in every match since Mitchell took charge in late 2023.

Hunt, who has accumulated over 70 caps, has been named as a vice-captain for England this autumn, marking her first official leadership role on the pitch. Reflecting on her return to form, Hunt shared her excitement in an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live, saying, “There were times when I wasn’t sure if I was done, but I genuinely feel like I’m playing some of the best rugby of my career, and I’m absolutely loving it.”

Her resurgence has been fueled by modern recovery techniques and a commitment to maintaining her physical condition. She credits advancements in sports science for extending her playing career, drawing inspiration from former England captain Sarah Hunter, who retired at 37, and Mike Brown, still playing for Leicester at 39. “You don’t get to be a professional athlete for long, and once you stop, there’s no going back,” Hunt added. “You have to be sure when it’s time to go, and I’m not sure yet.”

Hunt’s leadership role reflects a new chapter in her career, though she humbly states that nothing about her approach has changed. “I’ve never really been seen as leadership material by previous coaches, so it’s a real honour for me,” she said. “But I go about my business the same and try to bring out the best in everyone.”

This weekend’s fixture holds special significance for Hunt, Marlie Packer, and Emily Scarratt, who are the only three players in the current squad to have played against New Zealand at Twickenham in 2012. Recalling that match, Hunt said, “We warmed up in a gym, came out, and literally ran through two plays. But I didn’t need a warm-up because the atmosphere was unbelievable.”

Since then, women's rugby in England has experienced a seismic shift. The Red Roses drew a record crowd of 58,498 to Twickenham earlier this year when they clinched the Six Nations Grand Slam with a win over France. This Saturday, more than 40,000 fans are expected to watch England face New Zealand in a standalone women’s fixture, a testament to the growing support for the sport.

For Hunt, this is one of the most remarkable changes in her long career. “The most crazy thing now is that everyone at the stadium is genuinely here for us. That, for me, is the biggest change.”

As England prepares for another thrilling encounter with the Black Ferns, Hunt’s renewed sense of purpose and leadership will be pivotal to the Red Roses’ hopes of victory.