On November 14, one of Novocastrians’ recent players added to her many outstanding achievements and honours, by being named World Rugby’s Women’s Player of the Year for 2016.

Sarah Hunter M.B.E., started her Rugby Union career at Novos in 2001 as a 16 year old schoolgirl. A local girl born in North Shields, Sarah went to Goathland Primary School then Longbenton Community College, both within walking distance of the club. She initially played Rugby League at school, but switched codes due to the lack of local provision at senior level. Playing briefly at another club and for a North East team, Sarah then joined Novocastrians RFC. Not only was Novos her local club and had a women’s rugby team, but they had also competed in the Women’s Premiership during the 1990s.

Sarah made an immediate impact at Novos, originally as an inside centre. She impressed regional and national selectors alike before Phil Forsyth, the England U19 coach advised her to try the back row. Wise words indeed! Under the guidance of Novos’ coach Graeme Cooper, Sarah swiftly made the adjustment to the back row, and soon afterwards, international recognition followed, playing for England U19s in 2003. Sarah’s shirt from the occasion hangs proudly in the club room. During that season, she also impressed her peers, winning Novos’ Ladies Players’ Player of the Year award.

Graeme Cooper recalls Sarah’s time playing at Novos: “It was clear from the outset that Sarah had the drive and determination to succeed. Not only was she a naturally talented rugby player, she had the passion and desire for learning that was second to none. To see Sarah succeed is no surprise and is testament to her hard work and dedication. On one application for funding we wrote that ‘Sarah has the talent and ability to one day play for her Country’; all of us at Novos are delighted by her deserved and continued recognition.”

Sarah moved out of the area in 2004 when she went to Loughborough University to study Sports Science and Mathematics. She joined Lichfield Ladies, where further international recognition followed when Sarah broke into the England Senior England team during the 2007 Six Nations tournament, gaining her first few caps coming off the bench as replacement. Since then though, she has become a permanent fixture in the team. She is currently on 83 caps – only 4 women have played more times for England. Additionally, Sarah has captained the team on a number of occasions.

In 2014, England won the Women’s Rugby World Cup in France, with Sarah and other former and current Novocastrians playing a huge part in the success. Two other former players were part of the team: Katy McLean from South Shields who lifted the cup as captain, and Tamara Taylor. The team was managed by Janette Shaw (now Evans); still playing for us until VERY recently, now Club Honorary Secretary and MUCH more importantly, very recent Mum to Joshua. Congratulations to all!!

Appointed as Member of the Order of the British Empire (M.B.E.) in the 2015 New Year Honours for services to rugby, it was difficult to see what else Sarah could achieve – but more was still to come! Despite a number of injuries over the years, Sarah has continued to play at the highest level. During 2016, she led England throughout the Six Nations, and all three matches of the Rugby Super Series in Salt Lake City in the summer.

Only Sarah will know however, how all of her previous achievements in the game compare to being named World Rugby’s Women’s Player of the Year for 2016.
Massive congratulations to Sarah on this wonderful accolade and for her magnificent rugby career to date. Hopefully there will be much more to come with another Six Nations starting soon, and the next Women’s Rugby World Cup being held in Ireland during the summer of 2017.

As a club, we are incredibly proud that Sarah began her rugby union career with us. It is also wonderful timing that she has won this award now, when we are celebrating 25 years of Women’s Rugby at Novocastrians. There is a 25 year Anniversary Dinner being held at the club at the end of the season. We really hope that Sarah, many of her England team-mates, and lots of Novos players past and present will be there, so that we can congratulate Sarah in person on her fantastic achievement.

It is perhaps fitting that the final word should go to Janette Evans who, as England Manager from 2003-15 perhaps knows Sarah as well as anyone:

“I had the pleasure of being England Manager to Sarah during my career. The highs and the lows were always embraced by her with a smile on her face and with the ultimate professional attitude at all times. Sarah captained / vice captained the England squad on numerous occasions whilst I was manager. She led by example with that Geordie passion and had a superb rapport with players, staff and the media.

“To have shared winning the World Cup with Sarah was one of the most memorable occasions of our lives. To see Sarah go on and gain further recognition such as BBC Sports Personality Team of the Year, honour from the Queen and most recently Women's World Player of the Year has been fantastic to see.

“Sarah continues to fly the Flag of Novos on an International stage along with other Former Novos players as they go on their quest to retain the World Cup next year in Ireland.”