The prominent English rugby player, Abby Dow, has announced her retirement from professional rugby. Dow, a fundamental piece in the successful campaign of the Red Roses in this year’s World Cup, has decided to end her sporting 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 Red Roses’ victory over Canada in the World Cup final 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,” Dow stated.
Abby Dow
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, who holds a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Imperial College London, is also known for her skill in crochet.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 humbled. Today, I leave rugby as a player and join as its number one fan. Thank you all!”, added Dow.
Abby Dow
Abby is an incredible person and a fierce competitor who elevates those around her,” Mitchell commented.
John Mitchell
She is intelligent, insightful, and inquisitive, attributes that have defined the brilliant Red Rose she has been during her 59 international matches.
John Mitchell
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 to propel the women’s game to unprecedented heights.
John Mitchell
Personally, I believe we are possibly losing the best winger in world rugby at the peak of his performance, but we fully respect his decision to move on to a new chapter. We will miss him in our environment and look forward to seeing him succeed, as we know he will, in whatever he chooses to do next,” concluded Mitchell.
John Mitchell
