Rugby Legend Emily Scarratt Hangs Up Her Boots After Glorious 17-Year Career

Emily Scarratt, one of England’s most decorated rugby players, has announced her retirement from international rugby after an extraordinary 17-year career. The 35-year-old centre, who won two World Cups with England, revealed that the timing feels perfect to step away from playing and transition into coaching and mentoring roles.
Scarratt’s journey began in 2008 when she made her England debut, and she went on to become a cornerstone of the Red Roses squad. Over her illustrious career, she earned 119 caps for England and secured 11 Six Nations titles. Her consistency and excellence saw her become the only English player, male or female, to compete in five World Cups, cementing her status as a true icon of the sport.
The Lichfield and Loughborough Lightning player holds the distinction of being England’s all-time leading points-scorer with an impressive 754 points. She ranks third in both caps and tries for the Red Roses, testament to her longevity and impact on the field. In 2019, her exceptional performances earned her the World Rugby Player of the Year award, recognizing her as the best in the world.
Beyond the 15-a-side game, Scarratt excelled in sevens rugby, captaining Great Britain at the 2016 Rio Olympics where the team finished fourth. She added a Commonwealth Games bronze medal to her collection in 2018, representing England sevens. Her versatility across formats showcased her remarkable athletic ability and rugby intelligence.
Scarratt expressed gratitude for the privilege of representing England and witnessing the transformation of women’s rugby from amateur to professional. While stepping away from playing, she will remain at Loughborough as an assistant coach and take on a specialist coaching and mentoring role with the Rugby Football Union, ensuring her expertise continues to shape the next generation of players.