Emily Scarratt’s Retirement Marks End of Remarkable Era for England

The Red Roses must prepare for a new era without Emily Scarratt, who has announced her retirement from playing at age 35. The centre’s 17-year international career saw her earn 119 caps, win two World Cups, and become England’s all-time leading scorer with 754 points.
Scarratt’s impact on English rugby has been profound since her 2008 debut. She contributed to 11 Six Nations championship victories and became the first and only English player to compete in five World Cups. Her consistency, skill, and leadership made her a cornerstone of the most successful period in English women’s rugby history.
The retiring legend’s scoring record stands as testament to her exceptional ability. Her 754 points for England represents a mark that future players will struggle to reach, while her third-place rankings in caps and tries demonstrate her well-rounded contributions. In 2019, her world-class form earned her the World Rugby Player of the Year award.
Scarratt’s 2014 World Cup campaign remains one of the defining performances in tournament history. She was named player of the final and led all scorers with 70 points, dominating the competition with her kicking accuracy, defensive strength, and attacking creativity. These performances helped England win the championship and established her as one of the game’s greats.
The versatile player also made her mark in sevens rugby, captaining Great Britain at the 2016 Rio Olympics and winning a Commonwealth Games bronze with England sevens in 2018. She will remain at Loughborough Lightning as an assistant coach and take on a mentoring role with the RFU. In her retirement statement, she expressed pride in contributing to women’s rugby’s evolution and gratitude for the opportunity to step away on her own terms while the game is thriving professionally.