England women's captain Sarah Hunter willing to take pay cut 'to make sure there is still an RFU' after coronavirus crisis

Sarah Hunter, the England women’s captain, said she would be willing to take a pay cut "to make sure there’s still an RFU" once the coronavirus outbreak has passed.

The Rugby Football Union is preparing to roll out several cuts across its wider workforce after the body revealed it is facing losses of up to £50million over the next 18 months.

Eddie Jones, the England head coach, has agreed to take a pay cut in excess of 25 per cent as the impact of the coronavirus.

"That little sacrifice and selflessness can go a long way," Hunter told BBC Sport. "I'd be willing to do that to make sure there's still an RFU and people aren't having to lose their jobs.

"I can only speak on behalf of myself, but I think you’ve seen the enormous generosity of the country and the community. Everyone is coming together. It’s trying to support people in the best way we can. If that means we have to take a pay cut to help protect all our jobs I know I for one would be willing to do that."

Over a third of this year’s Women’s Six Nations were abandoned because of the coronavirus, including England’s potential Grand Slam-crowning finale with Italy on March 15.

As one of the 28 players centrally contracted by the RFU, Hunter is not thought to top up her Red Roses earnings through her club Loughborough Lightning in the Tyrrells Premier 15s. Like all community rugby in England, the elite amateur has been suspended because of the pandemic.

"Who finishes where is really insignificant compared to peoples lives at risk," added Hunter. "We can play rugby at any time so it puts it into perspective."