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 Rugby World Cup, has decided to leave the sport to dedicate herself to her engineering career. At 28 years old, the athlete leaves an impressive legacy. The Red Roses head coach, John Mitchell, laments the loss of “the best winger in the world at the peak of her career”, highlighting Dow’s extraordinary record: 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 where the Red Roses defeated 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,” Dow stated.
Abby Dow
Dow continued thanking everyone who supported her throughout her career.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
Mitchell praised Dow as an “incredible person and a fierce competitor who elevates those around her.” She described her as intelligent, insightful, and inquisitive, attributes that have defined her brilliant career with the Red Roses. The coach highlighted Dow’s influence on the exponential growth of women’s rugby and her contribution to taking the game to unprecedented heights. Although he regrets her departure, Mitchell respects Dow’s decision to start a new chapter in her life and wishes her success in her future projects.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
