England icon Emily Scarratt has announced her retirement from professional rugby at the age of 35.
The decision comes less than a month after Scarratt helped the dominant Red Roses to win the World Cup on home soil.
That was the second World Cup success of her career, with Scarratt having been the top points scorer when England won the 2014 tournament in France.
She also lifted 11 Six Nations titles and earned 119 caps in total after debuting in 2008, retiring as England’s all-time leading points scorer with 754.
That is 207 more than the second player on the list, Katy Daley-McLean. Only Sarah Hunter and Rocky Clark have earned more caps, while only Sue Day and Nicola Crawford have registered more Red Roses tries than Scarratt’s 54.
Scarratt - who holds a host of other records in the World Cup, Six Nations and beyond - began her club career at Leicester Forest and played for Lichfield for a decade before joining Loughborough Lightning in 2018.
“It’s been the greatest privilege to wear the England shirt and to represent my country for so many years," said Scarratt, who also captained a Great Britain team at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and won a bronze medal in rugby sevens with England at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia.
"It’s been one hell of a ride."
— Red Roses (@RedRosesRugby) October 21, 2025
Emily Scarratt, one of the greatest players in English rugby history, is bringing down the curtain on her incredible playing career 🌹
Thank you for everything you’ve done, @EmilyScarratt ❤️ pic.twitter.com/4YWGZ6Np2B
"Rugby has given me everything ; incredible team-mates, memories, and experiences I’ll carry with me forever.
“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.
“From my first cap in 2008 to walking out in front of more than 80,000 people at a World Cup final, the journey has been incredible. To have witnessed and played a part in the transformation of women’s rugby from amateur to professional is something I’m immensely proud of.
“I want to say a huge thank you to my family; my Mum, my Dad and my brother Joe for their support right from the start – from playing at Leicester Forest all the way to the Allianz Stadium, you have been amazing.
“To all those who have supported me from my teachers, to my coaches and team-mates at my first club through to Lichfield, Loughborough Lightning and England– thank you for everything. Thank you too to the amazing fans of women’s rugby who have grown and grown in numbers and who have always been part of what makes playing for England so special.
“While it’s the right moment to stop playing, I’m really excited to stay involved with the RFU and to help shape the future of the game. The women’s game is in an amazing place, and I’m proud to still be part of its journey.”
