Natasha Hunt and Ella Wyrwas awarded England contracts

The Rugby Football Union has announced that Natasha Hunt and Ella Wyrwas have been awarded England contracts.

The new development meant England now have 34 fully contracted players and six on transition contracts.

Hunt, 34, missed out on the selection in the last World Cup but has been part of the squad that clinched the inaugural WXV trophy. She made her debut for the red rose in 2011 and has 67 caps to her name that includes being part of the victorious Rugby World Cup winning squad in 2014.

"Mo's mindset to keep improving and push herself has seen her play some of the best rugby of her career over the past year," said Head of Women's Performance Charlie Hayter.

"She suits the way we want to approach the game and her experience is invaluable. During the recent WXV campaign, she enhanced the Red Roses culture and has bought into what we are aiming to achieve on and off the field as we embark on our new journey."

Meanwhile, Wyrwas made her debut for England earlier in the year and enjoyed success straightaway having been part of Women's Six Nations Grand Slam and success in the inaugural WXV competition. She has six Test caps to her name.

"Ella has taken the international opportunities during the 2023 Six Nations and this year's WXV with both hands.

"She has brought her club form into the Red Roses environment and continues to grow and develop. We are looking forward to working with Ella as a centrally contracted player and continue to see her exciting talent evolve."