After 17 years representing England at the highest level, Emily Scarratt has announced her retirement from playing rugby. The 35-year-old centre, who won two World Cups and earned 119 caps, will continue her involvement in the sport through coaching and mentoring roles.
Scarratt’s career began in 2008 and encompassed some of the most successful years in English rugby history. She contributed to 11 Six Nations title victories and achieved the unique distinction of competing in five World Cups – something no other English player has accomplished. At club level, she represented Lichfield and Loughborough Lightning, and she’ll remain with the latter as an assistant coach for the upcoming season.
The retiring star finishes as England’s all-time leading points-scorer with 754 points, a record that may stand for generations. She also ranks third in both caps and tries for the Red Roses, demonstrating her well-rounded contributions over nearly two decades. Her ability to perform consistently at the highest level earned her the 2019 World Rugby Player of the Year award.
Scarratt’s 2014 World Cup campaign remains legendary in English rugby circles. She was named player of the final and topped the tournament scoring with 70 points, performances that were crucial to England winning the championship. Her composure in high-pressure situations and ability to deliver when it mattered most became hallmarks of her career.
Beyond 15-a-side rugby, Scarratt captained Great Britain’s sevens team at the 2016 Rio Olympics to a fourth-place finish and won a Commonwealth Games bronze with England sevens in 2018. In announcing her retirement, she expressed pride in witnessing women’s rugby’s evolution and gratitude for the opportunity to step away on her own terms. She has accepted a specialist coaching and mentoring role with the RFU, where she’ll help develop the next generation of English players.