McKinley Hunt to make Saracens exit

Canadian prop McKinley Hunt has announced she is stepping away from professional rugby with Saracens, following her club and international commitments.

The loose-head scored multiple tries for the Canada and made a significant impact in England’s top-flight women’s rugby.

Hunt said she came to the UK five years ago to chase a dream, and she is proud to have played a part in advancing women’s sport.

She revealed that she has now returned home to Canada and is teaching young women, saying: “Watching them develop into kind and empowered leaders gives me confidence that future generations will have endless opportunities to achieve their dreams.”

The 28-year-old has represented Canada since 2017 and featured at the Women’s Rugby World Cup.

She joined Saracens after two years with Exeter Chiefs Women and has been a key forward in the Premiership Women’s Rugby. In her statement she noted: “What once felt out of reach has now become a reality for so many women, and I am proud to have contributed to that progress.”

While she did not explicitly use the word “retirement”, she confirmed she will be stepping away from the PWR club scene to focus on her next chapter off the pitch. The club will now look to fill the gap she leaves in the front row.