English rugby legend, Emily Scarratt, has 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 played a pivotal role in the Red Roses’ victory in September 2025.
A unique player in a generation.
John Mitchell, England coach, 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 has been 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 Player of the Year and is also the all-time top scorer for the Red Roses, with a total of 754 points, including 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 off the bench in the Red Roses’ opening match against the United States in August 2025.
It has been a great privilege to wear the England shirt and represent my country for so many years.
Emily Scarratt
Scarratt expressed: “Rugby has given me everything; incredible teammates, memories and experiences that I will carry with me forever.”
“I still love the game, but I feel it’s the right time to step away. You don’t always get the chance in sports to make that decision for yourself, and I feel very fortunate to do so on my own terms, proud of everything I’ve been a part of.”“From my first match in 2008 to playing in front of over 80,000 people in a World Cup final, the journey has been incredible. Witnessing and participating in the transformation of women’s rugby from amateur to professional is something I am immensely proud of.”
“I want to thank my family enormously; my mother, my father, and my brother Joe for their support from the beginning, from playing at Leicester Forest to the Allianz Stadium, they have been incredible.”
“To all those who have supported me, from my teachers, coaches and teammates at my first club to Lichfield, Loughborough Lightning and England, thank you for everything. Thanks also to the incredible women’s rugby fans who have grown and grown in number and who have always been part of what makes playing for England so special.”
“While it’s the right time to stop playing, I’m really excited to stay involved with the RFU and help shape the future of the game. Women’s rugby is in an incredible place, and I’m proud to continue to be a part of its journey.”
Scarratt will take on a specialized coaching and mentoring role with the RFU, which, according to the organization, will focus on “supporting the development of players in England’s pathways 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 composure 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.”
“She has had a huge impact on the Red Roses and on women’s rugby globally, and we are delighted that she will continue to share that experience through a different role.”
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 English rugby family next season and continue to help shape its future.”
