#2. EMILY SCARRATT
Scarratt is renowned for her pivotal role in securing England’s 2014 Women’s World Cup victory with just six minutes remaining in the game. An exceptionally gifted athlete, she made a significant decision at the age of 16, declining a US Basketball Scholarship to pursue her passion for rugby. Bursting onto the Test scene in 2008, she showcased her versatility by scoring 12 tries in 12 games.
Throughout her illustrious career, Emily has consistently delivered outstanding performances on the international stage. She emerged as the top point-scorer at the 2014 World Cup and continued to excel, tallying 56 points at the 2017 World Cup as England advanced to the final. Notably, she captained Team GB at the Rio Olympics, securing a bronze medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, and represented England at the 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens.
In January 2019, Emily made a triumphant return to the 15-a-side game, joining Loughborough Lightning and earning a full-time England contract. Her impact was immediate, as she scored two tries in England’s resounding 80-0 victory over Scotland, clinching the Women’s Six Nations title. She further distinguished herself at the 2019 Super Series, emerging as the top try-scorer and demonstrating her prowess as a goal-kicker, earning recognition in Sky Sports’ ‘Team of the Tournament’.
Emily’s exceptional contributions were duly recognized when she was named World Rugby’s Women’s Player of the Year in November 2019. Continuing her ascent, she became the highest-scoring player in Red Roses history during the 2020 Six Nations. Despite facing a period of absence due to injury, Emily’s talent and resilience remain undeniable, as evidenced by her inclusion in John Mitchell’s squad for the 2024 Guinness Women’s Six Nations.
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