Emily Scarratt, the 2019 World Rugby Player of the Year, has announced her retirement from international rugby following a career that spanned 119 England caps and 17 years. The 35-year-old two-time World Cup winner will now channel her expertise into coaching, taking roles with Loughborough Lightning and the Rugby Football Union.
Since debuting for England in 2008, Scarratt established herself as one of the most dependable and talented players in the women’s game. Her career haul includes two World Cup titles and 11 Six Nations championships, making her one of the most decorated English players ever. She made history by becoming the only English player to compete in five World Cups, a testament to her sustained excellence across more than a decade and a half.
The centre’s scoring prowess defined much of her career. She finishes as England’s all-time top points-scorer with 754, while also ranking third in caps and tries. These numbers tell the story of a player who could be relied upon in any situation, whether creating opportunities for teammates or finishing scoring chances herself. Her clutch performances in crucial matches made her invaluable to England.
Scarratt’s talents transcended the 15-player game. She captained Great Britain to a fourth-place finish at the 2016 Rio Olympics in sevens rugby and won a Commonwealth Games bronze medal with England sevens in 2018. Her success across both formats demonstrated remarkable adaptability and a deep understanding of rugby’s fundamentals, regardless of the number of players on the field.
At the 2014 Rugby World Cup, Scarratt delivered one of the defining performances of her career. She was named player of the final and topped the tournament scoring with 70 points as England claimed the title. England head coach John Mitchell described her as a once-in-a-generation player whose quality, calmness under pressure, and leadership set the standard. Scarratt expressed excitement about remaining involved in rugby’s journey and helping shape its future through her new coaching roles.