After 17 extraordinary years in the England jersey, Emily Scarratt has announced her retirement from playing rugby at the age of 35. The iconic centre leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations, having accumulated 119 international caps, two World Cup victories, and a points total of 754 that establishes her as England’s highest-ever scorer. Scarratt’s decision to retire closes one of the most decorated careers in rugby union history, male or female.
First pulling on an England shirt in 2008, Scarratt quickly established herself as an indispensable member of the national setup. Over the subsequent years, she became synonymous with English rugby success, playing a crucial role in securing 11 Six Nations titles. Her remarkable durability and consistency allowed her to participate in five World Cup tournaments, a distinction no other English player has achieved. This longevity speaks volumes about her commitment to fitness, skill development, and mental resilience throughout nearly two decades at the international level.
Scarratt’s defining tournament came at the 2014 Rugby World Cup, where she produced performances that elevated her to legendary status. She dominated the competition, finishing as the leading points scorer with 70 and earning player of the final honors as England lifted the trophy. Those displays remain benchmarks for excellence in tournament rugby and showcased her ability to perform under the most intense pressure. Her sustained brilliance continued, culminating in the 2019 World Rugby Player of the Year award that recognized her as the sport’s finest performer.
The versatile back also excelled in the abbreviated format of the game, making her mark in sevens rugby. As captain of the Great Britain team, she competed at the 2016 Rio Olympics, experiencing the unique atmosphere of the Olympic Games. In 2018, she helped England’s sevens team secure bronze at the Commonwealth Games, adding another medal to her impressive collection. Her club career with Lichfield and Loughborough Lightning was equally distinguished, earning respect throughout the domestic game.
Retirement from playing does not mean departure from rugby for Scarratt. She will take up an assistant coaching role with Loughborough Lightning next season, beginning her transition into coaching and development work. The RFU has also secured her services in a specialized coaching and mentoring capacity, where her experience will prove invaluable to emerging players. Reflecting on her career, Scarratt spoke with pride about being part of women’s rugby’s journey to professionalism and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to retire on her own terms. England’s current head coach John Mitchell paid tribute to her as a generational talent whose leadership and standards left an indelible mark on English rugby.
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