England scrum-half Natasha Hunt says the inaugural British and Irish Lions women's tour to New Zealand is a massive motivation as she returns from injury. The 37-year-old sustained knee ligament damage in April, missing the Red Roses' Grand Slam and Gloucester-Hartpury's PWR semi-final run. She starts at nine against Australia in Salford on Saturday.

"It would be unbelievable to be involved in [the Lions tour]," said Hunt, a two-time Olympian. "Every player close to playing for their country is thinking about it. If they say they're not, they're lying!" The five-fixture tour begins on 4 September with a warm-up against a Black Ferns XV, then three Tests against New Zealand. Coach Jo Yapp names her squad in May 2027.

Hunt forms a half-back partnership with Holly Aitchison. "We played one game together - I was nine, she was 10 against Worcester," Hunt recalled. "She's such an exciting rugby player. Her ability to play at the line is pretty unmatched."

After Australia, England face Canada and New Zealand. In October, they play the USA and a two-Test series against Canada.