England rugby legend Emily Scarratt has announced her retirement from international rugby, bringing the curtain down on one of the most decorated careers in women’s sport. The 35-year-old centre bows out after guiding England to their second Women’s Rugby World Cup title last month, marking a fitting end to an illustrious journey that began in 2008.
Record-breaking career milestones
Scarratt became the first England player, male or female, to feature in five Rugby World Cups. She retires as the nation’s all-time leading scorer with 754 points, having also collected 11 Six Nations titles and the World Player of the Year award in 2019. Her defining moment came in the 2014 World Cup final, scoring 16 of England’s 21 points in a thrilling win over Canada.
Injury challenges and resilience
Despite several injury setbacks, Scarratt remained a cornerstone of the team. Her resilience was tested in 2023 when a serious neck injury sidelined her for 13 months, but she made a strong comeback for the 2025 World Cup before a shoulder issue ended her campaign early. Even off the field, she continued to mentor and motivate teammates throughout the tournament.
Transitioning to coaching and mentoring
Scarratt will continue her involvement in rugby as a coach with Loughborough Lightning and a mentor with the Rugby Football Union, focusing on nurturing future stars. “While it’s the right moment to stop playing, I’m excited to stay involved and help shape the future of the women’s game,” she said.
Legacy beyond records
Known affectionately as ‘Scaz’, Scarratt’s humility, leadership, and calm brilliance have left a lasting impression on English rugby. Beyond her records and medals, her greatest achievement lies in inspiring a generation — proving that true greatness is built not just on success, but on legacy.
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