\n<\/p>\n
England’s game with New Zealand will be Hunter’s last before she gives birth to her first child.<\/p>\n
The 38-year-old former captain, who retired from playing after the 2023 Six Nations, will not travel with the side to Canada for WXV1, which runs from 29 September to 13 October.<\/p>\n
Hunter, however, says she will still be involved from back home.<\/p>\n
“I don\u2019t think you are allowed to fly for a certain amount of time [before giving birth] so it was taken out of my hands,” said Hunter.<\/p>\n
“I would love to be out there supporting the girls on the ground, but the baby isn\u2019t due until the end of October so I will be working from back in England. I will still be doing all of our analysis and planning sessions for the coaches out there.”<\/p>\n
Hunter has continued in her face-to-face role during pre-season but says her positioning on the field has changed through her pregnancy.<\/p>\n
“[John Mitchell] has been brilliant ever since I told him and he wanted to make a plan work that kept me involved,” she added.<\/p>\n
“As the time has gone on, how and where I’ve been placed on the field has shifted away from some of the players who like to run at people. <\/p>\n
“I have been taking more of an overview look on training, so it has taking a bit of getting used to. As a forward, you want to be in the thick of it. <\/p>\n
“The girls have been brilliant as well, and they have probably been more conscious of my welfare than I have been.<\/p>\n
“Everyone is turning up for me on a daily basis, whether it’s carrying the kit or making sure I’ve got water. The nutritionist has been making sure I’ve got snacks.<\/p>\n
“They are all really interested and keep asking me questions.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n