Sarah Hunter believes the 2019 Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam is just the start for England.
The captain oversaw a dominant Championship from the Red Roses as they racked up 50-plus points in four of their five games, scoring 45 tries over the tournament.
And No.8 Hunter has been pleased with the way new players – such as wing Jess Breach and back-rower Sarah Beckett – have integrated into the squad.
“We’re right at the beginning,” she said.
“This was a new squad back in the autumn and it changed again in January and by no means are we the finished article yet – we’re still building for where we want to get to.
“It is all about enjoying this victory as Six Nations champions and Grand Slams don’t come along too often so you’ve got to enjoy it and make the most of it.”
The triumph regains the title England lost narrowly to France last year, who took the Grand Slam on the back of a 18-17 win in Grenoble.
And Hunter credited the record-breaking support her side have had at their home games with huge crowds turning out at Sandy Park, Castle Park and Twickenham.
“Everyone is really proud. We try our best to inspire the generation that is going to follow us and that is from people who play the game to those who support us,” she said.
“When we went to Doncaster and Sandy Park the support was fantastic, here at the home of English rugby I don’t think there is a better or more special place to win a Grand SlamChampionship.”
Teammate Emily Scarratt was named player of the match as England ran in 12 tries to beat Scotland 80-0 to confirm the Grand Slam in Round Five.
She has flourished in the No.13 jersey this Championship and scored the penultimate try at Twickenham as she rounded off the campaign in style.
Scarratt could not hide her excitement as England regained the trophy they last lifted in 2017.
“Thank you to everyone who came out to watch us at Twickenham when we had the opportunity to win a Six Nations and Grand Slam is pretty special,” she said.
“We were thrilled to be able to come here, put on a show and get what we deserved.
“We put everything out there and it was really important for us to judge ourselves against ourselves and our own standards to push ourselves forward.
“I’m really proud of the girls. We have grown so much and I’m really glad we came away with the result.”
