Emily Scarratt, England’s most accomplished rugby player, has officially retired from professional rugby at age 35, closing the chapter on a remarkable 17-year international career. The legendary centre departs the game with an unmatched legacy that includes 119 caps for England, two World Cup titles, and an extraordinary 754 points that cement her position as the nation’s all-time leading points scorer. Her retirement marks the end of an era for English women’s rugby, as one of the sport’s most influential figures steps away from competition.
Scarratt’s international journey began in 2008, and what followed was nearly two decades of consistent brilliance at the highest level. Throughout her career, she was instrumental in England’s dominance of European rugby, contributing to an incredible 11 Six Nations championship victories. Her longevity and sustained performance level allowed her to achieve a feat unmatched in English rugby history – competing in five Rugby World Cups. This remarkable accomplishment demonstrates not only her physical resilience but also her ability to maintain elite standards across multiple tournament cycles spanning different eras of the game.
The 2014 Rugby World Cup represents perhaps the pinnacle of Scarratt’s individual achievements. She delivered a tournament for the ages, finishing as the competition’s top scorer with 70 points while earning the prestigious player of the final award as England claimed the championship. Her performances throughout that tournament are still regarded as among the finest individual displays in rugby history. Five years later, her continued excellence was recognized on the global stage when she received the 2019 World Rugby Player of the Year award, confirming her status among the sport’s elite performers.
Beyond the traditional 15-a-side format, Scarratt also made significant contributions to sevens rugby. She captained the Great Britain team at the 2016 Rio Olympics, representing her country on the world’s biggest sporting stage. Two years later, she added a Commonwealth Games bronze medal to her collection, competing with England’s sevens squad in 2018. At club level, she served both Lichfield and Loughborough Lightning with distinction, building a reputation as a consummate professional and team player throughout her domestic career.
Looking toward the future, Scarratt will remain deeply connected to the sport that defined her adult life. She has accepted an assistant coaching position with Loughborough Lightning for the upcoming season, ensuring her wealth of experience benefits the next generation of players. Additionally, the Rugby Football Union has appointed her to a specialist coaching and mentoring role, where she will work directly with developing players. In her retirement statement, Scarratt expressed immense pride in witnessing women’s rugby’s transformation into a professional sport and gratitude for the privilege of retiring on her own terms. England head coach John Mitchell offered high praise, describing her as a once-in-a-generation talent whose leadership and quality established standards for all who followed.