England scrum-half Natasha 'Mo' Hunt is relishing every moment of the Women's Rugby World Cup, three years after being axed from the squad on the eve of the last tournament. The 36-year-old says the 'heartbreak' has left a scar but ultimately helped prolong her career.
Hunt was cut from the Red Roses squad before the 2021 World Cup, a decision she describes as 'heartbreak'. 'You can either roll over or come back fighting,' she said. 'I decided I wasn't done and had so much more to give. It's definitely made me a better player, a better coach and a better teammate.'
Now back in the side, Hunt has been a key figure in England's campaign, with her energy and tactical nous evident in the pool stages. 'I absolutely adore the tactical element of rugby,' she said. 'Anticipating the game is probably one of my biggest strengths.'
The veteran, who won the World Cup in 2014, has seen the women's game transform. 'When I first started, England were playing in front of 100 people at Esher,' she recalled. 'I don't think I could ever have envisaged what it is now. That's why it means so much.'
Hunt, who has 86 caps and two Olympic Games to her name, says the team is focused on galvanising the nation. 'What's really important is that we get more little girls playing rugby,' she added.
