Natasha ‘Mo’ Hunt’s path towards participating in a third Women’s Rugby World Cup has been considerably more extended than she had anticipated.
A victor in the 2014 World Cup and the starting scrum-half during the 2017 final held in Ireland, the 36-year-old’s prospects with the Red Rose team seemed uncertain three years prior, as she wasn’t chosen for the 2021 tournament in New Zealand.
However, the passage of three years can bring about significant transformations.
In less than a year thereafter, she garnered the title of (then-referred to as) Premier 15s Player of the Year due to her victorious endeavors with Gloucester Hartpury and subsequently marked her return to international rugby during the 2023 TikTok Women’s Six Nations, ultimately securing her position as John Mitchell’s preferred half-back.
“It’s quite an emotional experience,” Hunt expressed when questioned about her recall. “The preceding occasion was arguably among the most challenging periods.”
“We reminisced the other day as Zoe (Aldcroft) and her spouse collected Taty (Tatyana Heard) from our residence, and we found ourselves in tears as they departed for the previous World Cup.”
“Being a part of this is incredible. My sole aspiration has always been to stand alongside the girls and compete. It has consistently revolved around camaraderie. The chance to be present and compete alongside them is invaluable.”
The rapport established between Mitchell and Hunt has seemingly unlocked potential within the three-time Premiership Women’s Rugby champion.
Since assuming the role as Simon Middleton’s replacement at the conclusion of 2023, Mitchell’s central principle has revolved around cultivating a specific mentality and striving to become the premier rugby team conceivable.
With an impressive streak of 25 undefeated matches, their most recent setback being the Rugby World Cup final loss in 2022, the globally top-ranked team has evolved into an even more imposing force.
This transformation might potentially represent the difference between a heartbreaking near-miss and attaining the title of world champions for the initial instance in 11 years.
For Hunt, this shift has facilitated her advancement, attributable to a head coach who empowers his athletes to embody the finest iteration of themselves.
“I believe he (Mitchell) possesses a profound understanding of me as an individual,” Hunt stated.
“Speaking solely from my vantage point, upon our initial encounter, he promptly guided me aside into a corridor and questioned why I was trapped within my own thoughts. He expressed trust in my capabilities and simply desired me to perform uninhibitedly.
“That instant held profound significance for me, particularly given the events of the past.
“The challenge resides in my perpetual aspiration to attain my utmost potential, while simultaneously being someone who has restrained myself and endeavored to maintain a sense of security in my actions.
“He has simply afforded me the liberty and assurance to proceed accordingly, which he has extended to the majority of the squad.
“Personally, I harbor immense gratitude for this. I hold the belief that he has guided us with exceptional competence.”
In the upcoming weeks, England is scheduled to participate in concluding warm-up matches against Spain and France, preceding the commencement of their World Cup campaign against the USA at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland.
Throughout the ensuing month, every action undertaken by the Red Roses will undergo meticulous scrutiny. While being considered a frontrunner entails certain advantages, ultimately, the team’s achievements will be evaluated solely on the basis of their ability to secure victories.
Hunt is among the quartet of players within Mitchell’s 2025 World Cup squad who have previously encountered triumph in the tournament.
Alongside Alex Matthews, Marlie Packer, and Emily Scarratt, Hunt achieved the status of a World Cup champion in 2014.
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As the sole remaining member of the squad that overcame Canada in Paris, that prior experience represents a valuable asset that could contribute favorably to the Red Roses’ objective this year. Despite this, the recent memory of successive defeats against the Black Ferns at the final stage has somewhat overshadowed that prior accomplishment.
“You cannot avoid any type of experience,” Hunt emphasized. “We are all cognizant of the fact that in sports, losses impart more significant lessons than triumphs. Losses are subjected to a more rigorous analysis and scrutiny compared to victories.”
“However, we must remain grounded in the present. It is imperative that we immerse ourselves in the current moment throughout this World Cup, as the most perilous course of action would be to become preoccupied with future prospects, thereby overlooking the immediate reality.”
“It’s the cliché; one match at a time. We must ensure that we are fully engaged from the outset.”
