Emily Scarratt, the only English rugby player to compete in five World Cups, has announced her retirement from playing after a distinguished 17-year career. The 35-year-old centre will transition into coaching roles at both club and international level, continuing her contribution to the sport she has graced for nearly two decades.
The Red Roses legend earned 119 caps for England since her 2008 debut, establishing herself as one of the most reliable and talented players in the women’s game. Her trophy cabinet includes two World Cup titles and 11 Six Nations championships, achievements that place her among the elite performers in rugby history. Her consistency and quality allowed her to feature in five World Cup tournaments, a unique distinction in English rugby.
Scarratt’s scoring ability made her a constant threat throughout her career. She retires as England’s all-time leading points-scorer with 754 points, while also ranking third in both caps and tries. These statistics reflect not only her longevity but also her ability to deliver match-winning performances when her team needed them most.
Her excellence wasn’t confined to the 15-a-side format. Scarratt captained Great Britain’s sevens team at the 2016 Rio Olympics, guiding them to a fourth-place finish. She later won a bronze medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games with England sevens, proving her versatility and skill across both versions of rugby. These achievements demonstrate the breadth of her talent and her value to British rugby as a whole.
In her retirement statement, Scarratt reflected on the extraordinary journey from her first cap in 2008 to playing before more than 80,000 spectators at a World Cup final. She expressed pride in playing a part in women’s rugby’s transformation from amateur to professional and excitement about her new coaching roles. John Mitchell, England’s head coach, praised her as a special person whose impact extended beyond statistics, noting her invaluable contributions during the recent World Cup despite limited playing time.