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

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

It’s an incredible honor 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 England’s greatest players, 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 has been a key figure in 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, 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 when she came on as a substitute in the Red Roses’ opening match against the United States in August 2025. Scarratt will continue her association with the RFU, taking on a specialized role in training and mentoring. Her focus will be on “supporting the development of players in all England categories and helping to nurture the next generation of talent”.

The Red Roses coach, John Mitchell, added: “Emily is a once-in-a-generation player. Her quality, her calmness under pressure, and her ability to lead by example set the standard for everyone around her. There was no better example of this than the role she played during the recent World Cup, where she brought immense value off the field, despite not playing as much as she might have hoped, that’s the kind of special person she is. The RFU’s chief executive, Bill Sweeney, said: “Emily’s contribution to English rugby cannot be overstated: 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 because of her. We are delighted that she will continue to be part of the England Rugby family next season and continue to help shape its future.”