'Couldn't think of a better way to end my career' - Sarah Hunter

England captain Sarah Hunter admitted that she "couldn't think of a better way to retire" after her side's 58-7 win over Scotland in the opening round of the TikTok's Six Nations tournament.

Hunter, who said she will be retiring from the game on Saturday featured in the encounter for 57 minutes before bowing out in front of her home crowd in Newcastle. She was also part of the England squad that reached four World Cup finals including a victorious 2014 triumph along with 2010, 2017 and 2022. She was also named World Player of the Year in 2016 and was appointed an MBE in 2015.

England gave a perfect send off for Hunter as Marlie Packer scored a hat-trick while Amy Cokayne and Claudia MacDonald contributed with a double as Simon Middleton's side registered a dominant 51-point victory and the 37-year-old was pleased with the outcome.

"I am overwhelmed by it. It has been such an incredible week. To be here today and have the performance that we did is so, so special," an emotional Hunter told BBC Sport.

"I genuinely couldn't think of a better way to end my career tonight.

"I didn't want to milk it but I just wanted to make sure that I recognised and thanked the people for coming. I just wanted to bottle it and to savour the moment you will never get again.

"The crowd was insane tonight and just to show an appreciation back to them and thank them for their support.

"I feel really proud. I don't think I would have wanted it any other way. It was tough at times but there is an appreciation of what (women's rugby) is now."