After 17 years of representing England with distinction both on and off the field, Emily Scarratt has announced her retirement from playing rugby at age 35. The accomplished centre’s career includes 119 international caps, 754 points as the nation’s all-time leading scorer, and two World Cup victories. Beyond statistics, Scarratt served as a tireless ambassador for women’s rugby, helping grow the sport’s profile and recognition.
From her 2008 debut, Scarratt understood her responsibility as an ambassador for the game. Her contribution to 11 Six Nations championships provided platforms to promote women’s rugby across Europe. Her achievement of competing in five World Cups gave her global stages to showcase the sport’s quality and attract new fans. Through media appearances, community engagement, and exemplary conduct, she represented the sport with class and professionalism.
The 2014 Rugby World Cup elevated Scarratt’s ambassadorial role. Her tournament-leading 70 points and player of the final performance as England won the championship captured public attention, introducing countless new fans to women’s rugby. The 2019 World Rugby Player of the Year award provided another platform to advocate for the sport and inspire young players globally.
Her ambassadorial work extended to representing rugby at the 2016 Rio Olympics as Great Britain captain, introducing the sport to Olympic audiences. Her Commonwealth Games appearance in 2018 provided another promotional opportunity. At club level with Lichfield and Loughborough Lightning, she remained accessible to grassroots fans and junior players.
As she retires from playing, Scarratt will continue her ambassadorial work through coaching and development. She has accepted an assistant coaching position 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 expressed pride in being part of women’s rugby’s transformation into a professional sport and gratitude for the opportunity to retire on her own terms. England head coach John Mitchell paid tribute to her as a once-in-a-generation player whose work as an ambassador elevated women’s rugby’s profile and helped secure its professional future.