England's scrum-half Natasha Hunt has said it's becoming increasingly difficult for the Red Roses to fulfill fans' requests for selfies and autographs after matches, due to the team's rising popularity over the past decade. Hunt, who made her England debut in 2011, noted that the team's fan base has grown significantly, with a record crowd of 4,674 attending a Women's Six Nations match against France in 2019. The upcoming match against New Zealand at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium on Saturday, 26 September, is expected to draw over 50,000 spectators. The game will be broadcast on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app, with live text commentary available. Hunt explained that the increased expectations from fans have created a "tricky space" for players, as they are often asked to find specific teammates, which can be impractical given the high volume of fans. Some fans have expressed disappointment if their requests are not met, and Hunt acknowledged that this can be emotionally challenging for players. This issue is not unique to rugby, as similar concerns have emerged in women's football. The Women's Super League club Chelsea recently banned their players from posing for photos and signing autographs after matches, citing that it is "no longer safe or sustainable." Former Chelsea and England defender Millie Bright had previously expressed concern that players were becoming "collectibles" to fans, emphasizing that "we are humans the same as you." Hunt noted that players' performances, potential injury concerns, recovery schedules, and family commitments can affect their ability to interact with fans after games. She explained that if a player is injured or has not performed well, their capacity and energy to engage with fans might be less than usual on that day. She emphasized that while the team wants to provide photos and autographs, there are limits to the time they can spend with fans due to recovery needs and family obligations. Hunt recalled that in the early days of her career, it was possible to meet all fans, but now the situation is different. She mentioned that in the past, it was only the parents of players at Esher Rugby Club who attended matches, and she could spend more time with fans before returning to the changing room. The Red Roses have built their relationship with their growing fanbase by engaging as individuals, not just as players. Captain Meg Jones has been open about her grief for her parents, and star full-back Ellie Kildunne has spoken about her body dysmorphia. A recent survey by The Good, The Scaz and The Rugby podcast revealed that 62% of women, compared to 41% of men, watch women's rugby because they identify with the players' causes, interests, or specific challenges that players face.