From Player to Coach: Emily Scarratt’s New Chapter After 17-Year England Career

At 35, Emily Scarratt has announced her retirement from playing rugby, concluding a 17-year international career that established her as England’s most decorated player. The centre’s final statistics include 119 caps, 754 points as the nation’s all-time leading scorer, and two World Cup championships. While her playing days have ended, Scarratt’s rugby journey continues as she transitions into coaching roles.
Beginning with her 2008 debut, Scarratt quickly became one of England’s most important players. She was central to the team’s Six Nations success, contributing to 11 championship-winning campaigns that reflected England’s European dominance. Her achievement of competing in five World Cups remains unmatched in English rugby history, demonstrating sustained excellence across multiple tournament cycles and different eras of the game. This longevity required exceptional dedication to physical preparation and continuous skill development.
Scarratt’s finest moments came at the 2014 Rugby World Cup, where she produced a tournament performance that remains a benchmark for individual excellence. She finished as the competition’s top scorer with 70 points and was named player of the final as England claimed the title. Her ability to deliver in crucial matches defined her career. This sustained brilliance earned her the 2019 World Rugby Player of the Year award, recognizing her as the world’s best player.
The versatile back also enjoyed success in sevens rugby. She captained Great Britain at the 2016 Rio Olympics, experiencing the unique atmosphere of the Olympic Games. She won a Commonwealth Games bronze medal with England sevens in 2018, showcasing her ability to excel in the abbreviated format. At club level, she served Lichfield and Loughborough Lightning with distinction, earning respect for her professionalism.
Scarratt’s next chapter involves sharing her knowledge with the next generation. 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 developing emerging players. In her retirement statement, Scarratt expressed pride in being part of women’s rugby’s journey to professionalism and gratitude for the privilege of retiring 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 around her.