England rugby legend Emily Scarratt retires after second World Cup victory

Going out on top is something few athletes get to script, but England's Emily Scarratt has bucked that trend.

The 35-year-old, one of the most decorated players in English rugby history, announced her retirement on 21 October, a month after helping the England women's 15s national team claim the Women's Rugby World Cup on 27 September.

Scarratt, who made her international debut in 2008, bows out with 119 caps and a record 754 points to her name, scored through 54 tries, 158 conversions and 56 penalties. She also became the first English player, male or female, to feature in five World Cups, ending her international career as a world champion, on home soil no less.

The Leicester-born player also captained Team GB's rugby sevens to fourth place at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

"It's been the greatest privilege to wear the England shirt and to represent my country for so many years,” Scarratt said. “I still love the game, but the time feels right to step away."

Already coaching with Loughborough Lightning, Scarratt will now take on a specialist coaching and mentorship position with the Rugby Football Union.

Head coach John Mitchell hailed her as “a once-in-a-generation player,” while RFU CEO Bill Sweeney praised her leadership and lasting impact on women’s rugby as "a role model for thousands of girls who have picked up the ball because of her".

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