Sarah Hunter

Sarah Hunter has played a major role in women's rugby over the past 14 years. Captain of the England rugby team and a world cup star, Sarah has been a phenomenal player, leader and personality. Beginning in 2004 with Lichfield Ladies, Sarah embarked on the first leg of what was to be an inspirational career in rugby and has seen her become a role model to young people and young women across the world. Coming through as a teenager, Sarah's talent and drive were clear to see.

Lichfield Ladies are considered 'one of the early trailblazers in the women's game' and Sarah played a massive role in them establishing themselves as a key cog within the sport. She has later starred for Bristol Ladies and Loughborough Lightning, the latter considered the number one team in the East Midlands, having produced 35 international players over the years. Having only formed ahead of the inaugural Tyrrells Premier 15s Competition, the university-based club brought in Sarah as assistant and player-coach.

They have not looked back since, with Sarah helping her new teammates to a fifth-place finish before returning to the fold in 2018-19 where they sit just one point off Saracens Women's at the top of the league at the midway stage. But it is Sarah's international career that has set her out as one of the finest players in the game. A fierce competitor, Sarah has been a beacon of light for the England rugby team, helping them to unbridled success. With 100 caps to her name, Sarah has played a key role in some of the Red Roses most dramatic victories. As captain, she led England to a Grand Slam triumph in 2017, also leading the charge in the same year, when she led the team to the Women's Rugby World Cup Final.

For England, she has become the most capped player of all time in her favoured position as a Loose Forward, becoming one of the most successful players of all-time in the women's game. She was appointed MBE in 2015 for her services to rugby and also enjoyed the title of World Rugby's Player of the Year in 2016 from the Rugby Players' Association.

Sarah has been pivotal to the raised profile of the women's game, and her influence continues to be felt across the nation and further afield. She can articulate her experiences for corporate audiences, speaking on the themes that have allowed her to make such an impact on the game. This can include peak performance, leadership, teamwork, pressure and maximising success. Sarah ultimately stands out as one of the most compelling rugby and female inspirational speakers of today.