Emily Scarratt has announced her retirement from international rugby at 35, concluding a 17-year career defined by exceptional statistics and achievements. The England centre earned 119 caps, won two World Cups, and scored 754 points – more than any other player in Red Roses history.
Scarratt made her England debut in 2008 and quickly established herself as one of the team’s most important players. She helped the Red Roses secure 11 Six Nations titles and achieved the remarkable feat of competing in five World Cups – something no other English player has accomplished. This longevity at the elite level demonstrates her sustained quality and importance to the team.
The retiring star will remain involved in rugby through assistant coaching at Loughborough Lightning, where she played at club level, and a specialist mentoring role with the RFU. Her transition from playing to coaching ensures her extensive knowledge and experience will continue to benefit English rugby for years to come.
At the 2014 Rugby World Cup, Scarratt delivered one of the tournament’s most dominant performances. She was named player of the final and finished as leading scorer with 70 points, showcasing her complete skill set under the most intense pressure. Five years later, her sustained excellence earned her the 2019 World Rugby Player of the Year award.
Scarratt’s versatility extended to sevens rugby, where she captained Great Britain at the 2016 Rio Olympics to fourth place and won a Commonwealth Games bronze with England sevens in 2018. In announcing her retirement, she expressed gratitude for representing England and witnessing the sport’s transformation from amateur to professional. England head coach John Mitchell described her as a once-in-a-generation player whose impact extended far beyond her impressive statistics.