Emily Scarratt has officially retired from professional rugby at 35, concluding a 17-year international career that established her as one of the sport’s all-time greats. The legendary centre finishes with 119 England caps, 754 points that stand as a national record, and two World Cup victories. Her retirement closes a chapter in English rugby history that future generations will struggle to match.
Scarratt’s England career began in 2008, setting in motion a journey that would span nearly two decades of exceptional performance. She was instrumental in securing 11 Six Nations championships, becoming synonymous with English rugby success. Her achievement of participating in five World Cups remains unique in English rugby, male or female, demonstrating sustained world-class performance across multiple generations. This longevity required continuous evolution of her game and unwavering dedication to maintaining peak physical standards.
The 2014 Rugby World Cup stands as the pinnacle of Scarratt’s career achievements. She finished as the tournament’s top scorer with 70 points and was named player of the final as England lifted the trophy. Her performances during that competition are considered among the finest individual displays in World Cup history, showcasing complete mastery of her position. Recognition continued with the 2019 World Rugby Player of the Year award, acknowledging her as the sport’s premier performer.
Beyond the traditional format, Scarratt also excelled in rugby sevens. She wore the captain’s armband for Great Britain at the 2016 Rio Olympics, experiencing the unique environment of the Olympic Games. Two years later, she helped England’s sevens team secure bronze at the Commonwealth Games, adding versatility to her remarkable career. Her club performances for Lichfield and Loughborough Lightning maintained the same high standards that characterized her international career.
As she moves into the next phase, Scarratt will remain actively involved in rugby through coaching. She has been appointed as an assistant coach with Loughborough Lightning for the upcoming season and will also work with the RFU in a specialist coaching and mentoring capacity, focusing on player development. In her retirement message, Scarratt expressed pride in witnessing women’s rugby’s evolution into a professional sport and gratitude for the opportunity to retire on her own terms. England head coach John Mitchell described her as a once-in-a-generation player whose leadership and quality established standards that will resonate for years to come.
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