One of English rugby’s most accomplished players has announced her retirement. Emily Scarratt, who earned 119 caps and won two World Cups over 17 years, has decided at age 35 to step away from playing and focus on coaching with Loughborough Lightning and the Rugby Football Union.
Scarratt’s international career began in 2008 and saw her become a cornerstone of England’s success. She contributed to 11 Six Nations championship victories and became the first and only English player to compete in five World Cups. Her ability to perform consistently at the highest level made her indispensable to successive England teams.
The centre finishes her career with remarkable statistics: 754 points (England’s all-time record), third in caps, and third in tries. Her scoring versatility – through tries, conversions, and penalties – gave England multiple attacking options. In 2019, her world-class performances earned her the World Rugby Player of the Year award, the sport’s most prestigious individual honor.
Scarratt’s 2014 World Cup campaign remains one of the defining performances in tournament history. She was named player of the final and led all scorers with 70 points, dominating the competition from start to finish. Her performances throughout the tournament showcased her complete skill set and ability to deliver under immense pressure.
The versatile player also made her mark in sevens rugby, captaining Great Britain at the 2016 Rio Olympics to fourth place and winning a Commonwealth Games bronze with England sevens in 2018. England head coach John Mitchell praised her as a once-in-a-generation player whose quality, composure, and leadership set standards for everyone around her. Scarratt expressed pride in witnessing women’s rugby’s professional evolution and excitement about her continuing involvement through coaching roles.
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