England's Hunt: Red Roses can no longer keep up with fans' selfie requests

England rugby scrum-half Natasha Hunt has said it has become impossible for the Red Roses to fulfil every fan's request for a photo or autograph after matches, as the women's team's popularity has soared over the past ten years.

Hunt, 37, made her international debut in 2011, at a time when England's women's matches typically drew crowds numbering only in the hundreds. As recently as 2019, a crowd of 4,674 for a Six Nations match against France was considered a record for a standalone Red Roses fixture outside the Rugby World Cup.

The contrast with today is stark. More than 50,000 tickets have already been sold for Saturday's fixture against New Zealand at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium. That match comes a year after the same venue hosted a world-record crowd of 81,885 for the final in which the Red Roses beat Canada to be crowned world champions.

Speaking to Rugby Union Weekly, Hunt said she never imagined she would see crowds of this scale during her career, adding that the players deeply appreciate the fans' support and do not take it for granted.

However, Hunt acknowledged that the team's growing popularity has created a difficult situation, with fans often expecting a photo or signature from every player they approach. She described how supporters sometimes ask her to fetch specific teammates, such as Ellie Kildunne or Meg Jones, even though those players may already be surrounded by hundreds of other fans.

Hunt also revealed that some players have received direct messages from disappointed fans who said their day would have been made complete by meeting a particular player. She said such messages are upsetting, since the team wants every supporter to have the best possible experience.