Hunt: Danny’s shown me it’s no olds barred

NATASHA HUNT is taking inspiration from fellow scrum-half Danny Care as she plots Six Nations and World Cup glory with the Red Roses.

The 35-year-old was a shock omission from England’s squad for the 2022 showpiece in New Zealand, where her team-mates were beaten in the final by the hosts.

Now back involved, Hunt is in the form of her life with Gloucester-Hartpury and at international level.

‘I know I’m kicking on now with my age, but I still feel I’m playing great rugby,’ Hunt, who starts at No 9 against Wales at Ashton Gate today, told Mail Sport.

‘In this sport everyone tries to retire you when you hit a certain age, which to me is madness.

‘There are definitely similarities with how mine and Danny’s international careers have gone. Even though he’s just retired from Test rugby, to see Danny still playing at 37 is a huge inspiration to me. Mike Brown is still playing really well at Leicester at 38.

‘There are so many recovery resources available to players now. If you look after your body and you’re still performing, I don’t believe age should come into the equation. Gone are the days when you hit your 30s and you’re done.’

Hunt has responded impressively to missing out on the World Cup. Now she wants to be part of the side when England host the tournament in 2025. ‘I love playing for England. I adore it and relish every minute,’ Hunt said.

‘I was heartbroken missing out on the World Cup. I struggled with it. I didn’t want anything to do with it. I couldn’t watch the games.

‘But I went back to club rugby and realised how much I enjoy the sport and the England girls rallied around me. ‘I’m enjoying my rugby again now and that’s the key thing. That blow has made me even better.’

England should have too much for Wales as they look to build on their opening 48-0 Six Nations win over Italy. A crowd of close to 20,000 is expected at Ashton Gate for the match.

It should be the biggest attendance for a Red Roses game on English soil away from Twickenham.