Emily Scarratt: England’s Ultimate Rugby Champion Steps Down

Emily Scarratt has officially retired from professional rugby at 35, concluding a 17-year international career that established her as England’s ultimate champion. The legendary centre finishes with 119 caps, 754 points as the nation’s all-time leading scorer, two World Cup victories, and 11 Six Nations titles. Her championship mentality and winning record separate her from other talented players.
From her 2008 debut, Scarratt demonstrated a champion’s mindset. She contributed to 11 Six Nations championships, consistently delivering performances that secured victories. Her achievement of competing in five World Cups—winning two of them—reflected her ability to rise to rugby’s biggest occasions. Champions deliver when stakes are highest, and Scarratt’s record in finals and crucial matches proves her championship credentials.
The 2014 Rugby World Cup epitomized Scarratt’s championship qualities. She finished as the tournament’s leading scorer with 70 points and earned player of the final honors as England won the championship. Her ability to deliver under the most intense pressure defined her as a true champion. The 2019 World Rugby Player of the Year award recognized her championship mentality and consistent winning.
Her championship record extended across formats. Captaining Great Britain at the 2016 Rio Olympics demonstrated leadership in major competitions. Winning Commonwealth Games bronze with England sevens in 2018 added another medal to her collection. At club level with Lichfield and Loughborough Lightning, she maintained the same winning standards.
As she retires from championship-winning as a player, Scarratt will instill championship mentality in future players through 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 announcement, Scarratt expressed pride in being part of women’s rugby’s transformation into a professional sport and gratitude for the privilege of retiring on her own terms. England head coach John Mitchell described her as a once-in-a-generation player whose championship mentality and winning record established standards that define what it means to be a champion.