English rugby legend Emily Scarratt has announced her retirement from the sport. The 35-year-old player, a two-time Women’s Rugby World Cup champion, shone in the 2014 triumph and was a key figure in the Red Roses’ victory in September 2025.
A player from a unique generation.
England’s coach, John Mitchell, described her as a “once-in-a-generation player”, while RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney called her a “role model for thousands”.
Scarratt retires as one of the best English players of all time, after a 17-year career at the top of the sport. She debuted for England in 2008 and won 119 international matches.
She was a key figure in England’s dominance of women’s rugby in the northern hemisphere, winning 11 Six Nations titles. She also captained Team GB at the Rio 2016 Olympics and won bronze at the Commonwealth Games with England in 2018.
In addition to being a great teammate, Scarratt also achieved several individual records and honors.
In 2019, she was named World Rugby Women’s Player of the Year and is the all-time top scorer for the Red Roses, with a total of 754 points, thanks to 54 tries, 158 conversions and 56 penalties.
It also holds a unique place in English history, in both men’s and women’s rugby. She is the first player to compete in five World Cups, a feat she achieved by coming off the bench in the Red Roses’ opening match against the United States in August 2025.
It has been the greatest privilege to wear the England shirt and represent my country for so many years. Rugby has given me everything; incredible teammates, memories and experiences that I will carry with me forever.
Emily Scarratt
Scarratt expressed that she still loves the game, but feels it’s the right time to step away. She feels fortunate to make this decision on her own terms, proud of everything she has achieved.Scarratt highlighted that from her debut in 2008 to playing in front of over 80,000 people in a World Cup final, the journey has been incredible. She feels immensely proud to have witnessed and been part of the transformation of women’s rugby from amateur to professional.
She thanked her family, her teachers, coaches and teammates, as well as the incredible fans of women’s rugby, who have always been part of what makes playing for England so special.
Scarratt will now take on a specialized coaching and mentoring role with the RFU, which will focus on “supporting the development of players on England pathways and helping to nurture the next generation of talent”.
The Red Roses coach, John Mitchell, added that Emily is an exceptional player, whose leadership and quality set the standard. RFU CEO Bill Sweeney highlighted Emily’s invaluable contribution to English rugby, both on and off the field, and was delighted that she will remain part of the England Rugby family.
