The End of an Era: Emily Scarratt Steps Away From International Rugby

Emily Scarratt has brought down the curtain on one of the most successful careers in English rugby history, announcing her retirement at age 35. The two-time World Cup winner, who earned 119 caps and scored 754 points for England, will transition into coaching roles with Loughborough Lightning and the Rugby Football Union.
Scarratt’s impact on English rugby cannot be measured by statistics alone, though hers are impressive. Since her 2008 debut, she helped England win 11 Six Nations championships and became the first and only English player to compete in five World Cups. Her reliability, skill, and composure made her one of the first names on the team sheet throughout her career.
The centre’s scoring record stands as a testament to her exceptional ability. Her 754 points for England may never be surpassed, while her third-place rankings in both caps and tries further illustrate her comprehensive contributions. Whether kicking goals, creating scoring opportunities, or finishing tries herself, Scarratt found multiple ways to influence matches in England’s favor.
Her finest tournament performance came at the 2014 Rugby World Cup, where she earned player of the final honors and topped the scoring charts with 70 points. This dominant display helped England win the title and established Scarratt as one of the premier players in world rugby. Her 2019 World Rugby Player of the Year award provided official recognition of her sustained excellence.
Scarratt also made her mark in sevens rugby, captaining Great Britain at the 2016 Rio Olympics and winning a Commonwealth Games bronze with England sevens in 2018. At the recent 2025 World Cup, she made a single substitute appearance against the USA. England head coach John Mitchell praised her as a once-in-a-generation player whose leadership and quality set standards. Scarratt expressed excitement about remaining involved in rugby through her new coaching positions and helping shape the sport’s future.