The Gallagher High Performance Academy has played an important part in helping Sarah Hunter make the transition from being England’s most-capped player to England’s defence coach.
When Sarah, a Women’s Rugby World Cup-winner in 2014, finished her playing career in her home town of Newcastle in the Six Nations 2023, she had already planned to move into coaching, but admits that she would have struggled to do so without the experience of the GHPA WXV 2023 programme and the support of her internship mentor Emma Mitchell. She now looks forward to continuing this journey on the GHPA RWC 2025 programme.
“Having years of physical training as a player doesn't prepare you for the mental demands coaching asks of you,” Sarah told World Rugby.
“I'd be lying if I said there haven't been a lot of tears, when I thought: ‘I can't do this’ or ‘I'm not good enough’, and even a few times when I was close to giving up.
“However, that's never been part of my nature - to quit when it gets hard - probably due to my stubbornness. I'm so pleased I didn't because, despite how tough it has been, and how much I've been out of my comfort zone, I've really enjoyed it.
“Since being on the programme, I have realised that one of my biggest apprehensions is now possibly one of the greatest strengths: having been a very recent former player, I have good relationships with the players.
“I wasn't sure how they would be with me at first, but they were brilliant. They were really respectful of the new position I was in. I realised we had a mutual respect and trust. Having not long finished playing with them, I had a great understanding of what it was they expected and wanted from me as a coach.
“I also understood individuals pretty well, and how to get the best out of them - something I now realise is pretty unique. It's definitely a strength I should continue to shine a light on.
“Throughout the programme, a big part of my time was working out what my identity and purpose was since I've stopped playing and started coaching. Something I hadn't realised I needed to do and a huge part of this has been the work I did with my internship mentor, Emma Mitchell.
“I genuinely can't speak highly enough of how much she helped me in this process. She's had to endure a lot of tears, but has been an immense support in my transition from finishing being a player, to life after that.
“There are many, many things I've learned from Emma, but one of the biggest things has been who I am as a person; and that my traits and characteristics don't change or stop now that I don't play. They help shape me and who I am as a coach. This has been hugely helpful when thinking about my coaching philosophy.
“It helped me to recognise that I have a new purpose, with the same ‘Sarah Hunter’ identity. I feel very much part of a team with our staff, as well as still being part of the team I loved so much as a player.
“I feel very grateful and lucky that the staff welcomed me in and made me feel part of them, and their team, and looked after me straight away. I have learnt a lot throughout my time on the GHPA programme, and am extremely grateful and thankful for the opportunity. I’m looking forward to continuing to grow through the GHPA RWC 2025.”
