Abby Dow, world rugby champion, retires at 28 years old

The prominent English rugby player, Abby Dow, has announced her retirement from professional rugby. Dow, a key player in the Red Roses’ successful campaign at this year’s World Cup, has decided to end her rugby career at the age of 28 to focus on engineering. The Red Roses head coach, John Mitchell, laments the loss of “the best winger in world rugby at the peak of her powers.” Dow retires with an impressive record of 50 tries in 59 appearances. Dow won seven Six Nations titles with England, including six Grand Slams, and two WXV1 victories. In addition, she started in the World Cup final that the Red Roses won against Canada on September 27.

I never imagined when I picked up a rugby ball at the age of five that I was starting a 23-year sporting career.

Abby Dow

Dow, who also holds a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Imperial College London, stated:

Rugby has been fundamental in my life and has made me who I am today. However, I feel the call of my other passion, engineering, so I have decided to hang up my boots and try my luck in a different world.

Abby Dow

Dow also added:

The rugby family has given me much more than I could ever give back. I would like to thank my coaches, family, friends and, most importantly, the fans. They have allowed me to participate in something truly wonderful. I feel very privileged and honored. Today, I leave rugby as a player and join as its number one fan. Thank you all very much!

Abby Dow

Dow, also known for her skill in crochet, is described by Mitchell as “an incredible person and a fierce competitor who elevates those around her”. Mitchell commented:

She is intelligent, insightful, and inquisitive, attributes that have defined the brilliant Red Rose she has been during her 59 international matches. Abby has been part of an era for the Red Roses in which the game has grown exponentially and, through her love of crochet, her interaction with the fans, and her undeniable skill in rugby, has helped propel the women’s game to unprecedented heights.

John Mitchell

Mitchell concluded:

Personally, I believe we are possibly losing the best right winger in world rugby at the peak of their performance, but we fully respect their decision to move on to a new chapter. We will miss having them in our environment and look forward to seeing them succeed, as we know they will, in whatever they choose to do next.

John Mitchell