England rugby legend Emily Scarratt announces retirement after winning second World Cup with Red Roses - 'The greatest privilege'

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England rugby icon Emily Scarratt has announced her retirement after 17 years of representing The Red Roses. Scarratt won two Rugby World Cups and 11 Six Nations titles, winning 119 caps for her country, the third most of all time. She retires as England's leading points scorer and third-top try scorer and recently made history as the first English player to play in five World Cups.

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England legend Emily Scarratt has announced her retirement from rugby.

One of the most important figures in the women’s game, Scarratt won two World Cups and as many as 11 Six Nations titles in a hugely successful career.

She made her debut for The Red Roses in 2008 and, in a 17-year career, went on to represent her country 119 times.

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Only Sarah Hunter (141) and Rocky Clark (137) have more caps for the women's national team.

"It’s been the greatest privilege to wear the England shirt and to represent my country for so many years," Scarratt said. "Rugby has given me everything: incredible teammates, memories, and experiences I’ll carry with me forever.

"I still love the game, but the time feels right to step away. You don’t always get the chance in sport to make that decision for yourself, and I feel so lucky to do so on my own terms, proud of everything I’ve been part of.

Emily Scarratt earned 119 caps and won two Rugby World Cups

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"From my first cap in 2008 to walking out in front of more than 80,000 people at a World Cup final, the journey has been incredible. To have witnessed and played a part in the transformation of women’s rugby from amateur to professional is something I’m immensely proud of.

"I want to say a huge thank you to my family; my Mum, my Dad and my brother Joe for their support right from the start – from playing at Leicester Forest all the way to Allianz Stadium, you have been amazing.

"To all those who have supported me from my teachers, to my coaches and teammates at my first club through to Lichfield, Loughborough Lightning and England – thank you for everything. Thank you too to the amazing fans of women’s rugby who have grown and grown in numbers and who have always been part of what makes playing for England so special.

"While it’s the right moment to stop playing, I’m really excited to stay involved with the RFU and to help shape the future of the game. The women’s game is in an amazing place, and I’m proud to still be part of its journey."

Scarratt retires as England’s top point scorer, over 200 points clear of second-placed Katy Daley-Mclean, and England’s third-top try scorer with 54.

She was named World Rugby Player of the Year in 2019 and was also named in the 2010s World Rugby Team of the Decade.

The 35-year-old made history when named in the 2025 Rugby World Cup squad, becoming the first English player, male or female, to appear in five World Cups.

It was in 2014 that Scarratt became a household name and a rugby legend, as she starred as England won their second World Cup.

Her steady boot saw her finish as top points scorer in the tournament with 70, including 16 points in the final win over Canada.

She also captained Team GB sevens to a fourth-placed finish at the Rio Olympics in 2016 and won a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games two years later.

Scarratt has been a mainstay at Loughborough Lightning since 2018, reaching 50 appearances last season, when she also began coaching.

She has also begun her media career, where she is a prominent pundit for TNT Sports’ rugby coverage, while she also co-hosts a podcast, 'The Good, The Scaz & The Rugby'.

Head coach John Mitchell said: "Emily is a once-in-a-generation player. Her quality, her calmness under pressure, and her ability to lead by example set the standard for everyone around her.

"There was no better example of this than the role she played during the recent World Cup, where she added immense value off the field, despite not playing as much as she might have hoped for - that is just the kind of special person that she is.

"She’s had a huge impact on the Red Roses and on women’s rugby globally, and we’re thrilled she’ll continue to share that experience through a different role."

Rugby Football Union CEO Bill Sweeney added: "Emily’s contribution to English rugby cannot be overstated - on and off the field she has been a model professional, a leader, and a role model for thousands of girls who have picked up the ball because of her.

"We’re delighted that she’ll remain part of the England Rugby family in the season ahead and continue to help shape its future."

Stream the Gallagher Premiership and Premiership Women's Rugby on TNT Sports and discovery+.

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