Sarah Hunter – A Career Defined by Leadership
Sarah Hunter’s rugby journey began at the age of nine, playing rugby league at Goathland Primary School. Born in North Shields, her early passion for the game quickly evolved into a lifelong commitment to excellence. She went on to study Sports Science and Mathematics at Loughborough University, combining academic discipline with elite sport. Before returning fully to the professional game, Sarah worked as an RFU University Rugby Development Officer, gaining valuable experience in talent development and leadership beyond the pitch.
Her move to Loughborough Lightning in a player-coach role marked another defining chapter, blending performance with mentorship. These experiences laid the foundations for a career that would see her become one of the most influential figures the sport has produced.
England Captain and Serial Winner
Sarah captained England for seven years, a tenure marked by consistency, resilience and success. Under her leadership, England secured four Six Nations Grand Slam titles, repeatedly delivering under expectation and scrutiny. She led England to Rugby World Cup finals in both 2017 and 2022, and in 2022 became England’s most capped player of all time during the tournament itself.
Individually, Sarah’s influence was recognised with England Player of the Year honours and World Rugby’s Player of the Year award in 2016. In 2014, she and her teammates became the first female team to win the BBC Sports Personality Team of the Year award, a moment that resonated far beyond rugby.
World Cup Winner as Player and Coach
Winning the Rugby World Cup as a player in 2014 stands as one of the highest achievements in the sport. Yet Sarah went on to do something no other English woman has achieved – winning the Rugby World Cup as a coach. In 2025, she was part of the coaching team that guided England to World Cup glory on home soil, in a tournament that set new records and marked a historic moment for the women’s game.
Now serving as Defence Coach for the Red Roses, Sarah continues to shape elite performance at international level, translating her experience as a leader into tactical and cultural excellence.
Recognition, Honours and Influence
Sarah’s contribution to rugby has been recognised at the highest level. She was awarded an MBE for Services to Rugby in 2015 and a CBE in 2023, reflecting not only her achievements but her wider impact on the sport. She retired from professional rugby in 2023 in front of a sell-out crowd at Kingston Park, her home stadium, closing an era while opening a new chapter as a coach and leader.
Alongside her sporting career, Sarah has also shared her voice as a columnist for The Times and continues to serve as a role model for women and girls across sport.
Sarah Hunter as a Speaker
Sarah Hunter is an accomplished and confident speaker, experienced in addressing audiences of all sizes and sectors. She speaks with honesty, authority and warmth, drawing on real moments from the highest level of international sport. Her key themes include leadership, understanding pressure, the psychology of winning, building trust, working in male-dominated environments and challenging long-held perceptions.
Her ability to connect elite sport with everyday leadership challenges makes her a powerful presence on stage. Whether speaking to senior leaders, teams, students or conference audiences, Sarah delivers practical insight grounded in lived experience.
Book Sarah Hunter for your event to inspire your audience with a story of resilience, excellence and leadership at the very highest level of world sport.
