Emily Scarratt is England Women’s all-time record point-scorer; Scarratt is best known for securing England the World Cup title in 2014 with six minutes left in the final against Canada; the 33-year-old has since become a household name in rugby
Last Updated: 12/10/23 8:58pm
Emily Scarratt has undergone neck surgery in a bid to save her rugby career after suffering an injury at the start of the year.
Scarratt, who was part of England’s triumphant 2014 World Cup winning side, had the operation two weeks ago.
She won the World Player of the Year in 2019 and was also awarded a full-time England contract that year.
“Everything went well. It was a huge decision because of the potential ramifications if things didn’t go so well. Things are more serious if you’re operating on your neck,” she said.
Scarratt was in the England side that narrowly lost to New Zealand in the final at the delayed 2021 World Cup in New Zealand last year.
The 33-year-old will miss the inaugural WXV tournament which begins in New Zealand later this month.
Emily Scarratt was made an MBE in 2021 for services to rugby union
WXV says it will ‘revolutionise’ international women’s rugby by providing a pathway for all unions to compete, as well as offering a springboard towards the expanded 16-team Rugby World Cup in 2025 in England.
It brings the chance of qualification for the World Cup, with at least the six top-ranked, non-qualified teams at the end of the 2024 competition securing a place for the World Cup.
The international 15s calendar has been unified, producing a stronger, more compelling platform for players, broadcasters and fans.
The women’s World Rugby calendar now has two windows, with regional competitions completed by the end of July, and WXV running in October and November.