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 years old, leaves an indelible legacy after a successful 17-year career. Scarratt, a two-time Women’s Rugby World Cup champion, was a key figure in the 2014 triumph and played a pivotal role in the Red Roses’ victory in September 2025.

He is a player of a generation

John Mitchell

England coach John Mitchell described her as a “generational player”, while RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney called her a “role model for thousands of people”. Scarratt retires as one of England’s best players, with a career that spanned 17 years at the top of the sport. She debuted for England in 2008 and won 119 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 and center, she 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, with 54 tries, 158 conversions and 56 penalties. Also occupies a unique place in English history, both in the men’s and women’s game. She is the first player to compete in five World Cups, a feat she achieved when she came 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 will continue to be involved with the RFU, taking on a specialized coaching and mentoring role to support player development and help nurture the next generation of talent.

The Red Roses coach, John Mitchell, added: “Emily is a generational player. Her quality, her composure under pressure, and her ability to lead by example set the standard for everyone around her.” The RFU CEO, Bill Sweeney, said: “Emily’s contribution to English rugby cannot be underestimated: on and off the field she has been a model professional, a leader and a role model for thousands of girls who have picked up the ball thanks to her. We are delighted that she will remain part of the England Rugby family next season and continue to help shape its future.”