Abby Dow announces retirement

Red Roses World Cup winner Abby Dow has announced her retirement from professional rugby.

Dow concludes an incredible career where she contributed significantly to seven Six Nations titles – including six Grand Slams - two WXV1 triumphs and a historic 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup victory on home soil. 

She earned 59 international caps, scoring an outstanding 50 tries – the first two of which came on her England debut against Canada in 2017. Eight years later, her final Red Roses appearance ironically came against the same opposition, ending in World Cup glory in front of a world-record crowd of 81,885 at Allianz Stadium. 

“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 that 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!” 

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Dow’s journey to becoming one of the most recognisable faces in the women’s game began as a five-year-old at Maidenhead RFC, influenced by father, Paul, and siblings Chris and Ruth. 

She furthered her rugby education with Reading RFC ahead of making a name for herself as Wasps Women’s player, a year out from her England debut alongside familiar back-three teammates Jess Breach and Ellie Kildunne. 

The 28-year-old’s electric pace, powerful running and instinctive finishing was evident for all to see from the outset as she crossed for eight tries in her first six caps. Her try scoring prowess continued with a rate of 0.85 tries per game as a Red Rose with her last try – her 50th - coming in the 2025 World Cup quarter-final win over Scotland. 

Dow, whose 50th cap came in the 2025 Guinness Women’s Six Nations against Ireland, balanced sporting success with academic excellence. She achieved a Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering from Imperial College London whilst at the top of her game and inspired supporters across the world via her crochet expertise. From scrunchies, mini opposition shirts and single roses for personal milestones, she even crocheted a special gift for The Princess of Wales on her recent visit to the Red Roses changing room. 

A selfless individual on and off the field, Dow will go down as one of England’s most creative players in history. 

Red Roses head coach John Mitchell said: “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.”