One of England’s greatest rugby players has called time on her playing career. Emily Scarratt, 35, announced her retirement after 17 years and 119 caps for the Red Roses, during which she won two World Cups and became the nation’s all-time leading points-scorer with 754 points.
Scarratt’s international journey began in 2008 and saw her become a central figure in English rugby’s success. She helped the Red Roses win 11 Six Nations titles and created history by becoming the first and only English player to compete in five World Cups. At club level, she represented Lichfield and Loughborough Lightning, and she’ll continue with the latter as an assistant coach next season.
The centre’s scoring record speaks to her exceptional ability and consistency. Along with her points record, she ranks third all-time for England in both caps and tries. In 2019, her outstanding performances earned her the World Rugby Player of the Year award, recognizing her as the best player on the planet at that time. Her ability to score crucial points made her one of the most feared players in international rugby.
Scarratt excelled in both rugby formats. In sevens, she captained Great Britain at the 2016 Rio Olympics to a fourth-place finish and helped England win bronze at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Her versatility and rugby intelligence allowed her to transition seamlessly between the traditional 15-player game and the faster-paced sevens format.
Her performance in the 2014 Rugby World Cup final stands as one of the defining moments in English rugby. She was named player of the final and finished the tournament as leading scorer with 70 points. At the recent 2025 World Cup, she made one substitute appearance against the USA. Scarratt expressed gratitude for the privilege of representing England and excitement about her new coaching and mentoring role with the RFU, where she’ll help shape the future of the women’s game.