Sarah Hunter Inspires Future Female Coaches at Grassroots Rugby Forum

In a momentous return to her roots, Sarah Hunter, CBE, England’s most capped rugby player, recently participated in a two-day forum aimed at empowering female leaders in rugby, held at Novocastrians RFC near Newcastle upon Tyne. The event, part of ChildFund Rugby's 'Grassroots to Global' series, brought together 50 young women and girls from the local rugby community, aligning with the build-up to the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025.

The forum served as a platform for women involved in various roles within the sport, including players, coaches, match officials, and administrators, to exchange ideas, share experiences, and create actionable plans for enhancing gender inclusion in rugby. According to Meg Knight, Co-Director of ChildFund Rugby, the initiative highlights the necessity of strong female coaches and role models to attract and retain girls in the sport. "By building a global network of community leaders, we’re creating a strong platform for the future of rugby," Knight stated.

The collaboration between the Grassroots to Global initiative and Gallagher’s High Performance Academy (GHPA) aims to bolster female coaching pathways and increase the participation of women in rugby at all levels. Christopher Mead, Chief Marketing Officer of Gallagher, remarked on the importance of such efforts, stating, "Driving change on and off the field starts with building strong networks and creating clear pathways for women in coaching and leadership roles."

Sarah Hunter, who has transitioned from a player and captain to an Assistant Coach for the Red Roses, underscored the significance of visibility in sports. "If you can’t see it, you can’t be it; not only do we need to inspire young women and girls to love the game as much as we do, we also need to create these vital opportunities to elevate coaching," she asserted during the event.

The forum also provided a practical masterclass where Hunter engaged with participants, sharing insights from her career and helping them apply leadership skills in a supportive rugby environment. Hunter's involvement signifies a vital link between grassroots initiatives and high-performance coaching, reflecting World Rugby's strategic commitment to increasing female representation across the sport.

The Grassroots to Global series has been implemented in over 25 countries, aiming to enhance women's participation in rugby, both on and off the field. As World Rugby's Chief of Women’s Rugby, Sally Horrox, emphasized, the partnership with Gallagher is pivotal in accelerating progress towards a more inclusive and competitive women's game. "Together we are laying the foundations for a more inclusive and competitive women’s game," she stated.

As anticipation grows for the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025, the impact of initiatives like the Grassroots to Global Forum becomes increasingly significant. By fostering a strong network of female leaders and enhancing coaching opportunities, the rugby community is poised to inspire the next generation of female athletes and coaches, ensuring a brighter future for women's rugby worldwide.