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

English rugby legend Emily Scarratt has announced her retirement from the sport, ending a distinguished 17-year career. Scarratt, 35, is a two-time Women’s Rugby World Cup winner, following her triumph in 2014 and being a key figure in the Red Roses’ victory in September 2025.

Emily is a unique player. Her quality, her composure under pressure, and her ability to lead by example set the standard for everyone around her.

John Mitchell, coach of the Red Roses

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, after a career that spanned 17 years 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 2016 Rio 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 also the all-time top scorer for the Red Roses, with a total of 754 points, with 54 tries, 158 conversions and 56 penalties. It also holds a unique place in English history, in both 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 of 2025 against the United States in August.

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 her love for the game, but felt it was the right time to step aside. She feels fortunate to make this decision on her own terms and proud of all she has achieved.

Scarratt highlighted the incredible journey from her debut in 2008 to playing in the World Cup final in front of over 80,000 people. 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, coaches, teammates, and the incredible fans of women’s rugby for their support over the years. Scarratt will continue to be involved with the RFU in a coaching and mentoring role, focused on player development and helping to nurture the next generation of talent. RFU CEO Bill Sweeney emphasized Emily’s immense contribution to English rugby, both on and off the field, highlighting her leadership and role model status.