Emily Scarratt has officially retired from professional rugby at 35, bringing to a close a 17-year international career that saw her become England’s greatest-ever player. The celebrated centre finishes with 119 caps, 754 points as the nation’s record holder, and two World Cup victories. Her achievements across multiple formats and competitions make her one of rugby’s most versatile and accomplished performers.
From her first England appearance in 2008, Scarratt established herself as a player of exceptional quality and versatility. She was instrumental in securing 11 Six Nations championships, demonstrating consistency that few players achieve. Her achievement of competing in five World Cups remains unmatched in English rugby history, showcasing sustained performance across nearly two decades. This longevity required exceptional dedication to fitness and continuous skill development to remain at the elite level.
Scarratt’s finest performances came at the 2014 Rugby World Cup, where she produced a tournament for the ages. She finished as the competition’s leading scorer with 70 points and was named player of the final as England claimed the championship. Her displays throughout that tournament are still regarded as benchmarks for excellence. Recognition for her sustained brilliance came with the 2019 World Rugby Player of the Year award, acknowledging her as the world’s best player.
The talented back also excelled in sevens rugby. She captained Great Britain at the 2016 Rio Olympics, experiencing the unique atmosphere of the Olympic Games. She won a Commonwealth Games bronze medal with England sevens in 2018, demonstrating her ability to succeed in the abbreviated format. At club level, her service to Lichfield and Loughborough Lightning was exemplary, maintaining high standards throughout her domestic career.
As she steps away from playing, Scarratt begins her next chapter in coaching. She has been appointed as an assistant coach with Loughborough Lightning for the upcoming season and will also work with the RFU in a specialist coaching and mentoring role. In her retirement statement, Scarratt spoke with pride about witnessing women’s rugby’s transformation into a professional sport and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to retire on her own terms. England head coach John Mitchell described her as a once-in-a-generation player whose leadership and quality established standards that will resonate throughout English rugby for years to come.