England scrum-half Natasha Hunt admits the team can no longer accommodate every fan request for selfies and autographs, as their growing popularity outpaces traditional meet-and-greet opportunities.
Hunt, 37, recalled her debut in 2011 when the Red Roses regularly played before crowds of just hundreds.
Even in 2019, an attendance of 4,674 at the Women’s Six Nations match against France set a new record for a standalone Red Roses game outside a Rugby World Cup.
More than 50,000 tickets have been sold for Saturday’s test against New Zealand at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium, a year after a world record sell-out crowd of 81,885 watched the Red Roses defeat Canada to claim the women’s title.
“I never imagined in my lifetime we’d fill stadiums this size,” Hunt told Rugby Union Weekly. “It’s incredible and we never take it for granted.”
The team is deeply grateful to their supporters, but fan expectations have created logistical challenges. Hunt explained, “We’re in a tricky position where people expect photos or signatures, but we quickly realize they’re overwhelmed by thousands of fans.”
She noted fans often ask, “Can you get Ellie [Kildunne]? Can you get Meg [Jones]?” but resources are spread too thin to satisfy everyone. Some fans have messaged expressing disappointment when they couldn’t meet their heroes, which is heartbreaking for the players.
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