Emily Scarratt Retires: English Rugby Legend Says Goodbye to the Sport.

English rugby legend, Emily Scarratt, has announced her retirement from the sport. The outstanding player, 35, leaves an indelible legacy after a successful 17-year career. Scarratt, a two-time Women’s Rugby World Cup winner, was a key figure in the 2014 triumph and played a pivotal role in the Red Roses’ victory in September 2025.

It’s an incredible 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

England 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 of people”. Scarratt retires as one of the best English players of all time, with 119 international matches since her debut in 2008. Its impact extends to England’s hegemony in the northern hemisphere, where it won 11 Six Nations titles. In addition, she captained the Great Britain team at the Rio 2016 Olympics and won bronze at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. In addition to her outstanding work as a teammate and center, Scarratt accumulated several records and individual honors. In 2019, she was named World Rugby Women’s Player of the Year and is the all-time leading scorer for the Red Roses, with 754 points, the result of 54 tries, 158 conversions and 56 penalties. Her legacy also includes a unique milestone in the history of English rugby, being the first player to compete in five World Cups, a feat she achieved in the Red Roses’ opening match against the United States in August 2025.

Scarratt expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to say goodbye on her own terms, proud of everything she has achieved. “From my first match in 2008 to playing in front of more than 80,000 people in a World Cup final, the journey has been incredible,” she stated. Scarratt will continue to be linked to the RFU in a specialized coaching and mentoring role, focused on player development and supporting the next generation of talent. The Red Roses coach, John Mitchell, added: “Emily is a once-in-a-generation player. Her quality, her composure under pressure, and her ability to lead by example set the standard for everyone around her.” Bill Sweeney, RFU CEO, highlighted Emily’s invaluable contribution to English rugby, both on and off the field, and expressed his joy at her continued presence in the English rugby family, where she will continue to help shape its future.