Emily Scarratt has concluded her illustrious playing career, announcing retirement at 35 after 17 years in the England jersey. The iconic centre’s accomplishments include 119 international caps, 754 points that make her England’s all-time leading scorer, and two World Cup victories. Her retirement marks the end of a career that will be studied and celebrated for generations to come in women’s rugby.
Beginning with her 2008 debut, Scarratt rapidly became one of England’s most important players. She was a driving force behind the team’s Six Nations success, playing vital roles in 11 championship-winning campaigns. Her unique distinction of appearing in five World Cups separates her from every other player in English rugby history, showcasing remarkable longevity and consistency. This achievement required extraordinary commitment to fitness, tactical understanding, and the mental strength to compete at the elite level across nearly two decades.
The 2014 Rugby World Cup provided Scarratt with the platform to cement her legendary status. She dominated the tournament scoring charts with 70 points and was awarded player of the final honors as England secured the championship. Her performances throughout that competition combined technical excellence with clutch execution in critical moments. This sustained brilliance was recognized globally when she received the 2019 World Rugby Player of the Year award, confirming her position among the sport’s elite.
Scarratt’s talents extended to the sevens format, where she captained Great Britain at the 2016 Rio Olympics, representing her nation on the world’s grandest sporting stage. She added a Commonwealth Games bronze medal with England sevens in 2018, further demonstrating her versatility. Throughout her career, she maintained strong connections to club rugby, representing Lichfield and Loughborough Lightning with the same dedication and professionalism that defined her international performances.
As she transitions away from playing, Scarratt will continue contributing to rugby’s development. She has accepted an assistant coaching position with Loughborough Lightning for the upcoming season and will also fulfill a specialist coaching and mentoring role with the RFU. In her retirement statement, Scarratt expressed profound pride in being part of women’s rugby’s journey to becoming a professional sport and gratitude for the opportunity to step away on her own terms. England head coach John Mitchell described her as a once-in-a-generation player whose leadership and consistent excellence established standards that will influence the sport for years to come.