🔗 Share this article

During a calm midweek afternoon near Bristol, Mo Hunt has been her typical upbeat self. England’s scrum-half spoke excitedly about the sport’s tactical nuances and her croissant-loving fans, showing confidence as she savored every moment of the Women’s Rugby World Cup.

That sparkly-eyed optimism allows one to simple to overlook that she had to escape a deeply challenging period to reach this point. Back in 2022, on the eve the previous World Cup, Hunt was dropped from the England squad. Now, high-stakes matches like the upcoming final four clash against France carry that much more. “After such a deep wound,” she reflects quietly, “the memory stays with you. It leaves a small scar.”

“There are two choices: give up or push harder... these became my choices. Is it over? They don’t want me any more... was my career over? I concluded I had more to offer and still possessed untapped potential.”

The 36-year-old, known for her drive to win, believes that setback actually helped in prolonging her career. “It was the right decision to keep going. Extremely challenging at the time, but it shaped me into a better player, a sharper mentor, and a better teammate.”

Feisty No 9: A Key Figure for England

It remains puzzling they could overlook their spirited scrum-half. Recently in the wet conditions in Bristol, she looked as athletic and sharp as always, guiding her teammates with clear direction. Audio feeds frequently capture her encouraging players to stay disciplined and remain focused. In short, England look a happier team when she’s involved.

From Netball to Rugby

Hunt has always been the active sort, from her earliest days racing her older sister Emma back home. When her height proved limiting in netball—“I attempted national selection but lacked the required stature”—the fresh canvas of rugby proved the perfect fit. “I love the tactical element of rugby. Reading plays is perhaps one of my biggest strengths. Observing the opposition’s movements, deciphering their intentions, and working to disrupt them.”

Transformation of the Game

With a career for England for over a decade and been part of their 2014 World Cup triumph, she has observed the transformation of the sport directly. “The biggest thing about that tournament is that we had very short recovery periods. It was exhausting. The whole tournament was completed in about 17 days, and we were straight back to work afterward.”

Today, with eighty-six caps and two Olympic Games under her belt, few are better placed to recognize how much the sport has evolved. “When I first started, the Games weren’t available and England were playing in front of small crowds at Esher. I never imagined predicting what it is now. That’s why it means so much. I treasure every moment because it seemed unlikely during my career the game would reach this level. I’m grateful to remain involved.”

Fame and Pastries

Nowadays, as an well-known figure on television and online platforms, supporters sometimes wait to offer gifts post-match. Baked goods have become surprising tokens since her friend Emily Scarratt mentioned on their podcast that she would not trade her match jersey for a couple of pastries but could consider five.

Fundamentally, though, Hunt has never been in it for the glamour or the gifts. “It’s never been a glamorous sport for me. I recall games at Lichfield with ice pellets coming down the size of marbles. Or playing on muddy pitches at Clifton following men’s matches. But those moments make you ‘mud monsters,’ it bonds you even more with the players around you. We’re all there the same struggle, but there’s so much shared joy.”

Looking Ahead

Victory in the next matches and the England squad could generate a whole new level of national pride. The pressure is rising, but more broadly, women’s rugby has achieved greatly. “We knew coming in there was a major chance to take women’s rugby to new heights, but none of us expected the actual impact if we succeeded.”

“The last pool games in Northampton were a complete attendance without any local teams playing. That is a incredible feat. What’s really important is that we galvanise the nation and get more little girls—or young boys—to take up rugby. That would be success.”

Additionally, Hunt’s mother has been swept along by the hype. “My mum wanted to go and play—I told her she’s definitely not permitted because she’s about 60 now and people would focus on her.”

Closing the Circle

Ideally, Hunt would also like to play on for another couple of years and compete in the inaugural women’s Lions tour in 2027. As things stand, she remains a strong contender. “I may not be a player who is super flashy and is going to score multiple touchdowns, but what I’ll hopefully do is create opportunities or provide that additional time on the ball.”

Most importantly, she now has the chance to conclude on her toughest rugby experience. “That’ll live with me always... not only because of how low I was, but the lesson that there’s a path forward if you’ve got determination. That’s the big thing I want to be remembered for. I take pride that I’ve managed to return to the place that I have.” A last effort and the circle will be complete.