The Final Try: Emily Scarratt’s 17-Year England Journey Concludes

Emily Scarratt has brought her playing career to a close, announcing retirement at 35 after 17 years in the England jersey. The iconic centre’s farewell includes 119 international caps, 754 points as England’s all-time leading scorer, and two World Cup victories. As the final whistle sounds on her playing days, the rugby world reflects on a career that redefined excellence in the women’s game.
From her 2008 debut through to her final appearance, Scarratt’s career represented sustained brilliance. She contributed to 11 Six Nations championship victories, providing countless memorable moments for English rugby fans. Her achievement of competing in five World Cups remains unmatched in English rugby history, with each tournament adding new chapters to her remarkable story. This longevity allowed multiple generations of fans to witness her brilliance.
The 2014 Rugby World Cup stands as Scarratt’s most glorious chapter. She finished as the tournament’s leading scorer with 70 points and was named player of the final as England claimed the championship. Her performances throughout that competition created memories that will endure for decades. Recognition continued with the 2019 World Rugby Player of the Year award, adding another highlight to her storied career.
Beyond fifteens rugby, Scarratt captained Great Britain at the 2016 Rio Olympics and won a Commonwealth Games bronze medal with England sevens in 2018. At club level, her service to Lichfield and Loughborough Lightning created lasting legacies at both organizations. Every team she represented benefited from her presence.
As one journey ends, another begins in coaching. Scarratt will serve as an assistant coach with Loughborough Lightning next season and has also accepted a specialist coaching and mentoring role with the RFU. In her retirement statement, Scarratt expressed pride in being part of women’s rugby’s evolution into a professional sport and gratitude for the opportunity to retire on her own terms. England head coach John Mitchell described her as a once-in-a-generation player whose leadership and quality established standards that will influence rugby for generations.