Emily Scarratt bows out as one of the greatest ever to have played the game. Photo: Photosport
England rugby legend Emily Scarratt has announced her retirement on the back of her country's World Cup win on home soil.
Scarratt holds the record for most points in history for the Red Roses, and became the first English player, male or female, to appear in five World Cup campaigns.
Scarratt is England women's all-time leading scorer with 754. Photo: Aaron Gillions / www.photosport.nz
Centre Scarratt, who made her England debut in 2008, has earned 119 caps and scored 754 points through 54 tries, 158 conversions and 56 penalties.
She was part of two world cup wins, is an 11-time Six Nations champion and won World Player of the Year in 2019.
One of her finest hours came in the 2014 Rugby World Cup final, scoring 16 of England's 21 points as they beat Canada in Paris.
Scarratt was part of two world cup wins in 2014 and 2025. Photo: Photosport
"It's been the greatest privilege to wear the England shirt and to represent my country for so many years. Rugby has given me everything, incredible team-mates, memories, and experiences I'll carry with me forever, she said in a statement.
"I still love the game, but the time feels right to step away. You don't always get the chance in sport to make that decision for yourself, and I feel so lucky to do so on my own terms, proud of everything I've been part of."
Scarratt, who has already started a coaching role at Loughborough Lightning, will take on a specialist coaching and mentorship role with the RFU, the governing body added.
England head coach John Mitchell called Scarratt a "once-in-a-generation" player who led by example.
"She's had a huge impact on the Red Roses and on women's rugby globally, and we're thrilled she'll continue to share that experience through a different role."
-Reuters
