Red Roses legend Emily Scarratt calls time on glittering rugby career
England’s iconic rugby star Emily Scarratt has officially announced her retirement at the age of 35, drawing the curtain on one of the most celebrated careers in women’s rugby.
The decision comes just months after England’s triumph at the Rugby World Cup earlier this summer, a fitting finale for one of the Red Roses’ greatest ever players.
Scarratt’s rugby story is nothing short of remarkable. She made her England debut back in 2008 and immediately made her mark, scoring 12 goals in her first 12 games.
Over 17 indelible times, she earned 119 caps, amassed 754 points, and became the twinkle of England’s backline.
Her jewel press speaks volumes: two Rugby World Cup titles, 11 Six Nations crowns, an Olympic appearance in Rio, and a Commonwealth citation order.
In 2019, she was crowned World Rugby Women’s Player of the Year, a title many can never conjure of achieving.
Scarratt also holds the distinction of being the first English player, male or female, to score in five Rugby World Cups, cementing her place among the sport’s all-time legends.
“It’s been one hell of a ride.”
Emily Scarratt, one of the greatest players in English rugby history, is bringing down the curtain on her incredible playing career
Thank you for everything you’ve done, @EmilyScarratt ❤️ pic.twitter.com/4YWGZ6Np2B
— Red Roses (@RedRosesRugby) October 21, 2025
Starting out with Leicester Forest, Scarratt snappily caught attention with her natural faculty and vision.
Her rise through the species continued at Lichfield, where she spent a decade shaping her craft before joining Loughborough Lightning in 2018.
Known for her versatility at both center and fullback, she became a cornerstone of every team she represented.
“It’s been the greatest privilege to wear the England shirt and to represent my country for so many years. Rugby has given me everything; incredible teammates, memories, and experiences I’ll carry with me forever,” Scarratt said.
“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.
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 the 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.”
England head coach John Mitchell led the tributes, describing Scarratt as a truly rare talent.
“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.”
Though she’s stepping back from playing, Scarratt is far from leaving rugby behind. She’s already carved a place in sports media, working with TNT Sports and co-hosting her popular podcast The Good, The Scaz & The Rugby.
She’s also begun her coaching journey with Loughborough Lightning and will take up a mentoring role with the Rugby Football Union (RFU) this season, helping shape the next generation of England stars.
Scarratt’s retirement marks the end of an extraordinary era, not just for the Red Roses, but for women’s rugby in Britain.
Her influence stretches beyond the field, inspiring a new wave of young girls to believe there’s a place for them in professional sport.
Her name will forever be synonymous with passion, precision, and progress. Emily Scarratt didn’t just play rugby; she changed it.
