Two-time Rugby World Cup Winner Emily Scarratt Announces Retirement from Red Roses

England Rugby Star Emily Scarratt Announces Retirement

October 22, 2025

London, England – Emily Scarratt, a cornerstone of England’s women’s rugby union team, has announced her retirement from the sport at the age of 35. The announcement marks the end of an illustrious 17-year career filled with remarkable achievements and a profound impact on the game.

A Career Defined By Success

Scarratt’s journey to becoming a Rugby legend began in 2008,and she quickly established herself as a dominant force. She earned 119 caps for England, and was instrumental in two Women’s Rugby World Cup victories, celebrating triumphs in 2014 and again in September 2025. Her recent participation in the 2025 World Cup, where she came off the bench in the opening match against the United States, made her the frist English player, male or female, to compete in five World Cups.

Beyond World Cup glory, scarratt’s career boasts an remarkable collection of accolades. She captained Team GB at the 2016 Rio Olympics and secured a Commonwealth bronze medal with England in 2018. She also claimed 11 Six Nations titles, cementing England’s dominance in the northern hemisphere.

Individual Honors and Records

Scarratt’s individual brilliance has been consistently recognized. in 2019, she was crowned World Rugby Women’s Player of the Year. She’s also the Red Roses’ all-time leading point scorer, accumulating a remarkable 754 points through 54 tries, 158 conversions, and 56 penalties.

Her contributions have not gone unnoticed by those within the rugby community. England head coach John Mitchell described her as a “once-in-a-generation player,” while Rugby Football Union (RFU) CEO Bill Sweeney lauded her as a “role model for thousands.”

A New Chapter Begins

Scarratt expressed her gratitude for the opportunities rugby has afforded her, stating, “It’s been the greatest privilege to wear the England shirt and to represent my country for so many years.” She feels lucky to be stepping away on her own terms, proud of everything she has accomplished.

Although she is retiring from playing, Scarratt’s commitment to the sport continues. She will transition into a specialist coaching and mentoring role with the RFU, focusing on nurturing the next generation of talent and supporting player development across England’s pathways.

Achievement	Year
England Debut	2008
Women’s Rugby World Cup Winner	2014
Six Nations Titles	Multiple (11 total)
World Rugby Women’s Player of the Year	2019
Women’s Rugby World Cup Winner	2025

Did You Know? Emily Scarratt is the first player in English rugby history-across both men’s and women’s teams-to participate in five Rugby World Cups.

The legacy of Emily Scarratt extends far beyond statistics and awards. She has been a catalyst for growth in women’s rugby, inspiring countless individuals to take up the sport and strive for excellence.

The Growing Momentum of Women’s Rugby

Emily Scarratt’s retirement comes at a pivotal moment for women’s rugby. Recent data indicates a surge in participation rates globally. World Rugby reported a 40% increase in registered female players between 2019 and 2023. This rapid growth is fueled by increased investment, media coverage, and a growing recognition of the athleticism and skill displayed by female rugby players.

The professionalization of the sport, exemplified by increased player contracts and improved training facilities, is attracting a new wave of talent. This, combined with the inspirational stories of players like Emily Scarratt, promises a radiant future for women’s rugby on the world stage.

What impact do you think Emily Scarratt’s career will have on future generations of female rugby players? How can the sport continue to build on this momentum and attract even more participants?

Frequently Asked Questions about Emily Scarratt

• What position did Emily Scarratt play? She was primarily a centre for England and the Red Roses.
• How many caps did Emily Scarratt earn for England? She earned a total of 119 caps for her country.
• When did Emily Scarratt win her first World cup? She won her first World cup in 2014.
• What are Emily Scarratt’s future plans? she will be taking on a coaching and mentoring role with the RFU.
• What records does Emily Scarratt hold? She is the red Roses’ all-time top points scorer and the first player to compete in five World Cups.
• Why is Emily Scarratt considered a role model? She is viewed as a role model due to her athletic achievements, leadership, and positive influence on the growth of women’s rugby.
• What impact has emily Scarratt had on women’s rugby? She has considerably raised the profile of the sport and inspired many young girls to take up rugby.

Share your thoughts on Emily Scarratt’s remarkable career in the comments below!

What leadership qualities did Emily Scarratt demonstrate that will be most difficult to replace in the England Women’s Rugby team?

emily Scarratt Retires: A Legacy of Leadership and Rugby Excellence

A Red Roses Icon Steps Down

Today, October 22nd, 2025, marks the end of an era as Emily Scarratt, a cornerstone of England Women’s Rugby and a two-time Rugby World cup winner, announces her retirement from international rugby. The news, confirmed by the Rugby Football Union (RFU), brings to a close a remarkable 14-year career defined by skill, strength, and unwavering leadership. Scarratt’s departure leaves a significant void in the Red Roses squad and the wider world of women’s rugby. This article delves into her career highlights, impact on the game, and what her retirement means for the future of England Rugby.

Scarratt’s Illustrious Career: Key Milestones

Emily Scarratt’s journey with the Red Roses began in 2011, and she quickly established herself as a pivotal player. Her versatility, capable of playing center or full-back, made her a valuable asset to any team. Here’s a timeline of her significant achievements:

* 2011: Makes her England debut.

* 2014: Named World Rugby Women’s Player of the Year – a testament to her growing influence.

* 2014 Rugby World Cup: Reaches the final with England, narrowly losing to New zealand.

* 2017 Rugby World Cup: Again reaches the final, again falling short against New Zealand.

* 2019 grand Slam: A key player in England’s dominant Six Nations campaign.

* 2023 Rugby World Cup: Achieves World cup glory, defeating France in a thrilling final. Scarratt captained the team to victory.

* Over 100 Caps: Earns over 100 caps for England, cementing her status as a legend of the game.

Throughout her career, Scarratt consistently demonstrated remarkable game awareness, powerful running, and a reliable kicking game. Her defensive prowess was equally notable, making her a complete player.

The Impact of Emily Scarratt on Women’s Rugby

Scarratt’s influence extends far beyond her on-field performances. She has been a vocal advocate for the growth of women’s rugby, inspiring countless young girls to take up the sport.

* Role Model: Scarratt’s visibility and success have challenged perceptions and broken down barriers in a traditionally male-dominated sport.

* Leadership: As captain, she led by example, fostering a strong team culture and inspiring her teammates to achieve their full potential. Her leadership style is often described as calm, composed, and empowering.

* Professionalization: Scarratt’s career coincided with the increasing professionalization of women’s rugby. She played a crucial role in advocating for better conditions and opportunities for female players.

* Increased Visibility: Her performances and media presence have helped to raise the profile of women’s rugby, attracting new fans and sponsors.

Analyzing Scarratt’s playing Style: Strengths and Tactics

Emily Scarratt’s success wasn’t accidental. Her playing style was a blend of physicality,intelligence,and tactical awareness.

* Powerful Ball Carrier: Known for her strong running and ability to break tackles, she consistently gained valuable meters for her team.

* Strategic Kicking: A reliable goal kicker and adept at using the boot to gain territorial advantage.

* Defensive Solidity: A strong and committed defender, capable of shutting down opposition attacks.

* Game Management: Her ability to read the game and make smart decisions under pressure was a key asset, especially as captain.

* Versatility: Her ability to seamlessly switch between centre and full-back provided tactical flexibility for the Red Roses.

What Scarratt’s Retirement Means for the Red Roses

The retirement of Emily Scarratt presents both a challenge and an opportunity for England Women. Finding a replacement for such a talented and experienced player will be no easy task.

* Leadership Vacuum: Filling the leadership void left by Scarratt will be crucial. Potential candidates include Sarah Hunter and Marlie Packer.

* Tactical Adjustments: The Red Roses may need to adjust their tactics to accommodate the absence of Scarratt’s unique skillset.

* Opportunity for New Talent: Her retirement creates an opportunity for emerging players to step up and prove their worth. Players like Holly Aitchison and Ellie Kildunne will be looking to take on more responsibility.

* Continued Success: Despite the loss of a key player, the Red Roses remain a formidable force in women’s rugby, with a strong squad and a dedicated coaching team.

Beyond the Pitch: Scarratt’s future Endeavors

While her playing career may be over, Emily Scarratt’s involvement in rugby is likely to continue. She has expressed an interest in coaching and mentoring, and her experience and knowledge would be invaluable to the next generation of players. She is also a sought-after pundit and commentator, offering insightful analysis of the game. Her future contributions to the sport are eagerly anticipated