Womens Rugby Speakers: Sarah Hunter MBE Retires

Alongside Sarah, we also work with female rugby legends, Maggie Alphonsi MBE, Rachel Burford, and Philippa Tuttiett, amongst others. In the spirit of the news, we’ve put together a short summary of those perfect to suit any rugby or female sporting brief today. Have a read and for more information on how to book, please contact info@evolve-agency.co.uk. 

Sarah Hunter MBE

Sarah Hunter is the former women’s England rugby captain who played back-row forward until her retirement this year, at age 37. She is the world’s most-capped women’s player, with 140 caps, and England’s most-capped player, male or female. 

Since making her debut in 2007, Sarah has won one World Cup and 10 Six Nations titles, including 9 Grand Slams. She led her team to four of these Six Nations Grand Slam titles and also reached four World Cup finals with England, captaining the Red Roses in both 2017 and 2022. 

Sarah was vice-captain for the team that won the World Cup in 2014, for the first time in 20 years, and a part of the team that won the BBC’s Sports Personality Team of the Year award. In 2016, she was named England’s ‘Player of the Year’ by the Rugby Players’ Association, and ‘World Rugby’s Player of the Year.’ 

Following the announcement of her retirement, England head coach, Simon Middleton stated: “For her to be everything that she has been and to still be someone who would never say no to any request, autograph, appearance, or anything if she thought it would support others or benefit the game says everything about her strength of character and selflessness… The word legend is overused but it’s most definitely not in her case, she is and will always be a true England legend.”

Sarah’s attitude is reflected in her speaking engagements as she can discuss many aspects of her career. She talks on a diverse range of topics including leadership; understanding pressure; the psychology of winning; working in a male-dominated environment; and challenging perceptions.

Whilst sad to see Sarah leave the professional side of the sport, we’re excited to see what she ventures onto next. 

Maggie Alphonsi MBE

Maggie Alphonsi MBE is a professional international women’s rugby player, arguably one of the most iconic names in women’s team sports.

Maggie achieved many firsts throughout her career, including in 2015, being the first-ever former female player to commentate on men’s international rugby, and the first to become a columnist for a national newspaper. This history-making continued and in the following year she became the first England Women’s player to be elected as a National member of the Rugby Football Union’s Council.

Maggie fronted the England women’s rugby team and spearheaded them to win a record-breaking 7 consecutive Six Nations Crowns. She represented England 74 times, scored 28 tries, and was part of the team that won BBC’s Sports Personality Team of the Year award. In 2014, Maggie was also a crucial member of the team that won the Rugby World Cup for the first time in 20 years. 

Since her retirement in 2014, Maggie has become a media professional and commentates on live Rugby matches for Sky Sports, BT Sport and the BBC. She is also a force on the speaking circuit and very popular for rugby-related events.

Rachel Burford

Rachel Burford is one of England’s most famous female rugby players. She has represented her country on over 80 occasions and competed in four Rugby World Cups.

Rachel was born into a rugby-mad family and had a passion for the sport from a young age. She spent a decade playing for amateur side Medway, including one year playing alongside both her mother and sister. Domestically, she also played for Thurrock T-Birds, Aylesford Bulls and Harlequins. 

In 2006, Rachel made her international debut for England and as well as playing in four World Cups, she has was also part of two squads for the Sevens World Cup and won the 2019 Six Nations Grand Slam. 

In 2014 Rachel was named England’s Player of the Year, and in 2016, she became the first female player on the RPA Players’ board and joined the World Rugby Women’s Advisory Committee.

As a speaker, Rachel has a highly charismatic, passionate, and likable style. She can discuss her rugby career in great detail, as well as the challenges she faced helping to grow the women’s game.

Philippa Tuttiett 

Philippa Tuttiett is a retired professional Welsh women’s rugby player and inspirational speaker. She is one of the highest-capped Welsh International Sevens players of all time, and has represented her country in the World Sevens Series.

Philippa became the face of Welsh women’s rugby and in 2018, achieved her dream of captaining Wales at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. She was one of the first former female players to commentate on men’s international rugby and is now a regular working sports pundit for broadcasters, including the BBC and Sky Sports.

Philippa has set up the UK’s first building company to offer an all-female workforce which was launched in 2007 and continues to be extremely successful. Since her retirement from professional sport, she has become a fan favourite in the commentary box, and one of the most respected female pundits in the world.

Philippa is an expert in speaking on the sport, teamwork and also advocating women in sport. Her inspirational career leaves audiences motivated and ready to strive for success.

To book one of these fantastic rugby speakers, or for more suggestions, please contact info@evolve-agency.co.uk. We’re more than happy to help!