England's Abby Dow retires from rugby at 28

Red Roses wing Abby Dow has announced her retirement from professional rugby at the age of 28, bringing an end to a standout international career that delivered major titles and some of the most memorable tries in the women’s game.

Dow said she will now focus on building a career in engineering.

The 28-year-old leaves the sport with an exceptional record: 50 tries in 59 Tests, seven Women’s Six Nations titles, two WXV1 titles, and England’s 2025 Rugby World Cup triumph on home soil.

She made her England debut in 2017 against Canada, scoring twice, and fittingly played her final Test against the same opponents in the 2025 World Cup final at Twickenham.

She also balanced elite sport with academics, completing a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Imperial College London.

In her retirement statement, Dow said rugby had shaped her life for 23 years, but her other passion could no longer wait. She said stepping away now gives her the chance to pursue engineering full-time while still carrying forward everything the sport taught her.

She also thanked her teammates, coaches, supporters, and fans, saying she leaves rugby “as its number one fan.”

"I never realised when I picked up a rugby ball at the age of five that I was at the start of a 23-year sporting career," Dow said.

"Rugby has been central to my life and has shaped me into who I am today. However, I feel the pull of my other passion - engineering - so I have decided to hang up my boots and try my luck in a different world.

"The rugby family has given much more than I could ever give back. I would like to thank my coaches, family, friends, and most importantly, the fans. They have enabled me to participate in something truly wonderful.

"I feel very privileged and humble. Today, I leave rugby as a player and join as its number one fan. Thank you all!"

England head coach John Mitchell praised Dow as an exceptional athlete and person, calling her “arguably the best right winger in world rugby at the peak of her powers.”

Mitchell added that while England will miss her presence, they fully respect her decision and expect her to succeed in whatever comes next.

"Abby is an awesome individual and a fierce competitor who lifts those around her. She is intelligent, insightful and inquisitive - attributes that have defined the brilliant Red Rose she has been across her 59 caps.

"Abby has been part of an era for the Red Roses in which the game has grown exponentially and, through her love of crochet, her interaction with supporters and her undoubted rugby ability, she has helped drive the women's game to unprecedented heights.

"I personally believe that we are losing arguably the best right winger in world rugby at the peak of her powers, but we fully respect her decision to move on to a new chapter.

"We will miss having her in our environment, and we look forward to seeing her succeed - as we know she will - in whatever she chooses to do next."