The Scarratt Era Ends: England’s Most Successful Player Retires at 35

After 17 extraordinary years representing England, Emily Scarratt has announced her retirement from playing rugby at age 35. The legendary centre’s accomplishments include 119 international caps, 754 points as England’s all-time leading scorer, and two World Cup championships. Her retirement closes what will be remembered as the Scarratt Era—a period of unparalleled individual excellence and team success in English women’s rugby.
Scarratt’s international career began in 2008, launching a journey that would see her become the defining player of her generation. She was central to England’s Six Nations dominance, contributing to 11 championship victories that established the team as European rugby’s powerhouse. Her unique achievement of participating in five World Cups sets her apart from every other player in English rugby history. This sustained presence at the international level across nearly two decades demonstrates exceptional physical conditioning and the ability to continuously adapt her game.
The 2014 Rugby World Cup stands as Scarratt’s crowning achievement. She finished as the tournament’s top scorer with 70 points and earned player of the final recognition as England secured the championship. Her performances throughout that competition combined technical brilliance with leadership and clutch execution in critical moments. This sustained excellence earned her the 2019 World Rugby Player of the Year award, confirming her status as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
Scarratt’s versatility saw her excel in sevens rugby as well. She captained Great Britain at the 2016 Rio Olympics, leading the team on the world’s biggest sporting stage. She added a Commonwealth Games bronze medal with England sevens in 2018, showcasing her ability to succeed across different formats. At club level, she represented Lichfield and Loughborough Lightning with distinction, maintaining the professionalism and dedication that characterized her entire career.
As she transitions from playing, Scarratt will remain deeply involved in rugby’s development. She has accepted an assistant coaching position with Loughborough Lightning for the upcoming season and will also work with the RFU in a specialist coaching and mentoring capacity, focusing on nurturing emerging talent. In her retirement message, Scarratt expressed profound 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 paid tribute to her as a once-in-a-generation player whose leadership and quality established standards that will influence English rugby for generations.