Scots clash to be finale for Hunter

ENGLAND’S record cap-holder Sarah Hunter will bow out of international rugby with a ‘fairytale’ finale in her home city of Newcastle on Saturday. Hunter will make her 141st and last international appearance against Scotland in the Six Nations opener and then retire immediately.

The 37-year-old has captained England since 2015 and became their most-capped player at last year’s Rugby World Cup, when she surpassed Rocky Clark’s previous record of 137. Hunter helped England to World Cup glory in 2014, was part of the sides beaten in the 2017 and 2022 finals, and has won 10 Six Nations titles and nine Grand Slams in her career. The North Shields-born No 8 has never represented her country in Newcastle, which is why the Kingston Park clash will be so special for her. ‘It’s a fairytale ending,’ Hunter told Sportsmail. ‘Not many people get to choose how they end their career, so I feel very fortunate to be able to go out on my own terms. Being from Newcastle, it has such a special place in my heart. It’s where I grew up and to finish where I started will mean so much. ‘I’ve never had the opportunity to play for my country in my home city. All my friends and family will be coming.’ England head coach Simon Middleton said: ‘The word legend is overused but it’s most definitely not in Sarah’s case. She is and will always be a true England legend.’

In the southern hemisphere, New Zealand have confirmed maverick Crusaders boss Scott Robertson will succeed All Blacks head coach Ian Foster after this year’s World Cup. Robertson, a lover of breakdancing and surfing, has led Crusaders to six straight Super Rugby titles and was in the England frame before Steve Borthwick’s appointment.