Emily Scarratt retires after England win Rugby World Cup

Emily Scarratt, one of England women's rugby's most decorated players, has announced her retirement from playing at the age of 35, ending a 17-year international career that culminated in England's Rugby World Cup victory this September. Scarratt finished with 119 caps for the Red Roses and a record 754 Test points, and was part of World Cup-winning squads in 2014 and 2025.

Scarratt made her England debut in 2008 against the United States and scored prolifically early in her career, helping England claim the 2009 Women's Six Nations. Over her career she scored 54 tries, 158 conversions and 56 penalties, and became the first English player, male or female, to compete at five Rugby World Cups. Her final cap came as a 20-minute substitute appearance in England's World Cup opening win over the United States at the Stadium of Light; she remained involved with the squad throughout the tournament and was present on the touchline for the final at Wembley.

A versatile back who played primarily at centre and fullback, Scarratt began playing at Leicester Forest before moving to Lichfield in 2007, where she made her professional debut and spent a decade. She joined Loughborough Lightning in...