Sarah Hunter: Defence coach pinpoints aspects of England game to “finesse” before WXV1 New Zealand match

England’s game with New Zealand will be Hunter’s last before she gives birth to her first child.

The 38-year-old former captain, who retired from playing after the 2023 Six Nations, will not travel with the side to Canada for WXV1, which runs from 29 September to 13 October.

Hunter, however, says she will still be involved from back home.

“I don’t think you are allowed to fly for a certain amount of time [before giving birth] so it was taken out of my hands,” said Hunter.

“I would love to be out there supporting the girls on the ground, but the baby isn’t due until the end of October so I will be working from back in England. I will still be doing all of our analysis and planning sessions for the coaches out there.”

Hunter has continued in her face-to-face role during pre-season but says her positioning on the field has changed through her pregnancy.

“[John Mitchell] has been brilliant ever since I told him and he wanted to make a plan work that kept me involved,” she added.

“As the time has gone on, how and where I’ve been placed on the field has shifted away from some of the players who like to run at people.

“I have been taking more of an overview look on training, so it has taking a bit of getting used to. As a forward, you want to be in the thick of it.

“The girls have been brilliant as well, and they have probably been more conscious of my welfare than I have been.

“Everyone is turning up for me on a daily basis, whether it’s carrying the kit or making sure I’ve got water. The nutritionist has been making sure I’ve got snacks.

“They are all really interested and keep asking me questions.”