England’s record-breaking captain Sarah Hunter to retire after Six Nations opener

The England captain, Sarah Hunter, has announced she will retire after the Women’s Six Nations opener against Scotland this weekend, saying her career had surpassed her “wildest dreams”.

Hunter, who has won a women’s world-record 140 caps for her country, will end her rugby career after the match in her home city of Newcastle on Saturday.

The 37-year-old back-row forward has helped England win 10 Six Nations titles and the 2014 World Cup. She was also named named World Rugby Women’s Player of the Year in 2016.

“Every chapter comes to an end and mine will be closing on Saturday,” Hunter said. “From the nine-year-old who fell in love with rugby at the first touch of a ball … to have the honour of playing and captaining my country, I have had a career beyond my wildest dreams.

“Not many athletes get to choose how and when they call time on their playing careers. I am very fortunate that I have the opportunity to finish on my own terms. I couldn’t think of a better way to do it than in my home town where my rugby journey started.”

The 37-year-old, who led England in last November’s World Cup final when a 30-match unbeaten streak came to an end in a heartbreaking three-point defeat by the Black Ferns, will retire from all rugby with immediate effect but continue coaching at Loughborough Lightning for the remainder of the Premier XVs season.

“Most of all, I want to say thank you to everyone – coaches, players, medical staff, managers, staff, volunteers – that has played a part in my journey, whether that’s from when I first picked up a ball at nine-years old or more recently,” Hunter added. “I am eternally grateful for the help, support, and impact you have had on my career. It’s just been amazing to have so many people