Natasha Hunt is ready for World Cup duty with England three years after missing out on a call
Share this @internewscast.com

Natasha Hunt was notably absent from England’s squad for the 2022 Women’s Rugby World Cup, observing from a distance as the team faced heartache in the final. 

Fast forward three years, Hunt has solidified her spot as one of the first picks for the Red Roses and is emerging as a potential global superstar. The scrum-half has made a remarkable comeback. 

She attributes her impressive revival to an honest conversation with current England head coach John Mitchell. While Simon Middleton, Mitchell’s predecessor, excluded Hunt in 2022, Mitchell promptly brought her back into the fold. 

‘He really understands me on a personal level,’ Hunt mentioned about Mitchell before the much-anticipated 2025 World Cup opener against the USA on Friday night.

‘Our first interaction involved him pulling me aside and saying, “Why are you overthinking things? I trust you. Just go out there and perform.” 

‘That moment for me meant so much because of everything that had gone before. 

Natasha Hunt is ready for World Cup duty with England three years after missing out on a call

Natasha Hunt is ready for World Cup duty with England three years after missing out on a call

Hunt is now England's first-choice scrum-half and a potential breakout global superstar

Hunt is now England’s first-choice scrum-half and a potential breakout global superstar

The No 9 credits a conversation with England Women's coach John Mitchell for her turnaround

The No 9 credits a conversation with England Women’s coach John Mitchell for her turnaround

BIG MATCH FACTS 

England: Kildunne; Dow, Jones, Heard, Breach; Harrison, Hunt; Botterman, Cokayne, Muir, Talling, Ward, Aldcroft (capt), Kabeya, Matthews 

Replacements: Atkin-Davies, Clifford, Bern, Galligan, Feaunati, L Packer, Scarratt, Sing

USA: Sharp; Henrich, Maher, Kelter, Mataitoga; Hawkins, Ortiz; Rogers, Treder, Sagapolu, Brody, Jarrell-Searcy, Zackary, Perris-Redding, Johnson 

Replacements: Stathopoulos, Leatherman, Jacoby, Ehrecke, Tafuna, Bargell, Bitter, Ibarra

Referee: Aimee Barrett-Theron (South Africa) 

Kick-off: 7.30pm 

TV: BBC1

‘My challenge has always been striving to be the best, yet I’ve often held myself back by playing it safe. 

‘He’s just given me the freedom and confidence to go out and do it which he’s done for most of the squad.’ 

Without Hunt, England were beaten by New Zealand in the 2022 World Cup final.

Remarkably, that was the last time they lost a match. 

Mitchell’s side are a winning machine and firm favourites for global glory as by far and away the best female rugby international team on the planet. Mitchell has named his strongest possible XV for the tournament’s opening night and the USA clash. 

It is an encounter which promises much. 

A crowd of in the region of 45,000 is expected at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light. England’s women’s rugby stars are hoping to build on the successes of their football counterparts and make it a summer to remember. 

The Lionesses lifted their second consecutive European Championship last month. Now it’s over to Hunt and Co to replicate that success. 

‘It’s amazing to be part of it,’ Hunt said. 

‘I’m just absolutely buzzing to be back in the mix. To get the opportunity to put myself into that squad is everything. I’ll never take it for granted. 

Hunt and England will begin their home World Cup against the USA in Sunderland on Friday

Hunt and England will begin their home World Cup against the USA in Sunderland on Friday

The USA's star is Ilona Maher, the world's most followed rugby rugby player on social media

The USA’s star is Ilona Maher, the world’s most followed rugby rugby player on social media

‘I think it hits me every now and again. I’m a bit of a softy, so I do get emotional about it. It means so much to me. It doesn’t mean I’m not resilient because I get emotional. 

‘It just means I care so much about it. We’re so excited about the prospect of what’s to come over the next few weeks. It feels like we’ve been speaking about this tournament for so long and it’s finally here. 

‘This country absolutely loves sport and they love winning teams. When you combine that, which hopefully we’re going to be doing, we can take this sport into another stratosphere. That’s what we all want and to inspire those coming forward as well.’ 

Despite the presence of Ilona Maher – rugby’s most followed social media star – in the USA side, England should win comfortably on the opening night. In all reality, they should progress serenely to the final on September 27. 

That Twickenham clash is already sold out, meaning the game will have the biggest ever attendance for a women’s rugby match. 

The success of the Lionesses has meant a huge increase in demand for Rugby World Cup tickets. Nearly 500,000 tournament tickets have been sold in total. 

There is huge pressure and expectation on England to deliver. But they are a fine team and should rise to it. Expect them to go one better than they did in 2022 and emulate the Lionesses by lifting a major trophy. 

‘It’s exciting. You hear this word pressure all the time. It’s just a word. You’ve got to turn it into an action,’ Mitchell said. 

‘Some people tend to frame it negatively. It becomes more around the risk of failure then, whereas I see this as an opportunity to be successful.’

Hunt warms up for the USA at Sunderland's Stadium of Light ahead of Friday's big game

Hunt warms up for the USA at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light ahead of Friday’s big game

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
'I have been abducted': Greta Thunberg releases video plea as Israel intercepts aid flotilla

“Greta Thunberg Issues Urgent Video Message as Israel Halts Aid Flotilla”

A video recorded in advance by Greta Thunberg, the Swedish climate activist,…

Australian Government Prepared to Help After Six Australians Detained in Gaza Flotilla

Six Australians in the Gaza aid flotilla have been detained by the…
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 21: during game two of the State of Origin series between the Queensland Maroons and the New South Wales Blues at Suncorp Stadium on June 21, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

How Brisbane Might Become Australia’s Next Sports Hub

For decades, Melbourne has been the centre of sport in Australia. Melbourne…
Commonwealth Bank customers have been left unable to check their balances.

Commonwealth Bank Suffers Significant Disruption as Online Banking Services Crash

Commonwealth Bank is experiencing a significant outage, leaving some customers unable to…
Cars in traffic during dusk, showcasing headlights and city lights, with a blurred background reflecting urban life

The Headlight Mistake That Might Cost You $1,000

In 2025, many Australians will unknowingly drive with their high beams on,…
Measles morbillivirus structure - 3d rendered image. Abstract background.

Measles Case Confirmed in Sydney: List of Exposure Locations Disclosed

Residents of Sydney’s Northern Beaches have been warned to be on high…
Suspect shot after four injured by vehicle and stabbing at UK synagogue

Suspect shot following vehicle and stabbing attack injuring four at British synagogue

Authorities are dealing with a “major incident” near a synagogue in northern…
An Optus phone sign hangs above its store in Sydney

Big Companies Like Optus and Netflix Made Billions Without Paying Taxes

More than a quarter of large companies in Australia paid no income…

Renowned Scientist and Conservationist Jane Goodall Passes Away at 91

Key Points Goodall revolutionized wildlife research, sparking public interest in her cherished…
Brisbane temperature

Record-breaking October heat expected for Australian capital

Queensland’s capital is set to swelter under its hottest October day in…
Global Sumud Flotilla

Australian Activists Detained Following Israeli Navy’s Interception of Gaza Aid Flotilla

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) stated that it is…

“Controversy Ignites Over the Lost Dogs Home’s Decision to Euthanize Puppies”

Victoria’s Lost Dogs Home has stood by its decision to euthanise a…