The curtain has fallen on Emily Scarratt’s playing career, as the 35-year-old England centre announced her retirement after 17 years representing the Red Roses. The two-time World Cup winner, who earned 119 caps, will remain involved in rugby through coaching positions at club and international level.
Scarratt’s career perfectly encapsulates the evolution of women’s rugby. She made her England debut in 2008 when the game was still largely amateur and retired as a professional athlete in 2025, having witnessed and contributed to the sport’s complete transformation. During her time, she helped England win 11 Six Nations titles and became the only English player to compete in five World Cups.
As England’s all-time leading scorer with 754 points, Scarratt leaves a statistical legacy that will be difficult to match. She also ranks third in caps and tries for the Red Roses, demonstrating her consistency and versatility. Her ability to deliver in high-pressure situations earned her the 2019 World Rugby Player of the Year award, confirming her status among the sport’s elite.
The 2014 Rugby World Cup represented perhaps the highlight of Scarratt’s career. She dominated the tournament, finishing as top scorer with 70 points and earning player of the final honors as England won the championship. Her performances throughout that tournament showcased all her qualities: precision kicking, strong defense, creative attack, and composure in crucial moments.
Beyond the traditional format, Scarratt captained Great Britain’s sevens team at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where they finished fourth, and won a bronze medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games with England sevens. In her retirement statement, Scarratt thanked her family, coaches, teammates, and fans while expressing pride in women’s rugby’s current state. She’ll now serve as an assistant coach at Loughborough Lightning and take on a mentoring role with the RFU, ensuring her experience benefits the next generation.