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 leave the sport to pursue a career in engineering. At 28 years old, Dow retires with an impressive record of 50 tries in 59 appearances, according to Red Roses head coach John Mitchell. Dow won seven Six Nations titles with England, including six Grand Slams, and two WXV1 victories. In addition, she was a starter in the World Cup final that the Red Roses won against Canada on September 27th.

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 expressed his gratitude towards rugby and its impact on his life.

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 also obtained a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Imperial College London, is known for her skill in crochet. Coach John Mitchell praised Dow as a fierce, intelligent, and inquisitive competitor, highlighting her contribution to the growth of women’s rugby.

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

John Mitchell