Emily Scarratt: From 2008 Debut to 2025 Retirement – A Career in Review

Emily Scarratt has officially retired from professional rugby at 35, concluding a 17-year international career that began in 2008 and established her as England’s greatest-ever player. Her final tally includes 119 caps, 754 points, and two World Cup victories, statistics that place her in rare company among rugby’s all-time elite performers. The centre’s retirement represents a significant moment in the history of women’s rugby, as one of the sport’s most influential figures steps away from playing.
Throughout her career, Scarratt was a driving force behind England’s dominance of European rugby. She contributed to an remarkable 11 Six Nations championship victories, showcasing her ability to deliver consistently in the annual tournament. What truly distinguishes her career is her participation in five World Cups – an achievement unmatched by any other English player. This longevity at the international level required continuous adaptation to changing game styles, coaching philosophies, and tactical approaches while maintaining elite performance standards across nearly two decades.
The 2014 Rugby World Cup provided the platform for what many regard as Scarratt’s career-defining performances. She topped the tournament scoring charts with 70 points and earned player of the final honors as England claimed the championship. Her ability to rise to the occasion in crucial matches and deliver under immense pressure became her trademark. This sustained excellence across multiple years culminated in the 2019 World Rugby Player of the Year award, recognizing her as the finest player in the global game.
Scarratt’s versatility extended beyond 15-a-side rugby. As captain of Great Britain’s sevens team at the 2016 Rio Olympics, she represented her country on the Olympic stage. She added a Commonwealth Games bronze medal to her collection in 2018, competing with England’s sevens squad. At club level, she served Lichfield and Loughborough Lightning with distinction, maintaining the same high standards that characterized her international career.
As one career ends, another begins for Scarratt in coaching. She will serve as an assistant coach with Loughborough Lightning next season, beginning her transition to developing future players. The RFU has also secured her services in a specialist coaching and mentoring role, ensuring emerging players benefit from her vast experience. In her retirement message, Scarratt spoke with pride about witnessing women’s rugby’s transformation into a professional sport and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to retire on her own terms. England head coach John Mitchell paid tribute to her as a generational talent whose leadership and quality set standards that elevated everyone in the program.