SCARRATT GRATEFUL TO BE BACK IN RUGBY FOLD

Emily Scarratt would have preferred a quieter return to the Allianz Premiership Women’s Rugby stage but it is hard to ignore when one of the game’s greatest makes a comeback.

The Loughborough Lightning centre underwent neck surgery in October in a bid to prolong her professional career and the call to have her operation is already paying off.

The 34-year-old has been included in John Mitchell’s 35-player Guinness Women’s Six Nations squad following 13 months out.

On her club rugby return against Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate in February, she said: “It was a bit of a shock to the system but I was grateful to be back out there and I really enjoyed it.

“You want the first one to be done and dusted so you can crack on with the rest of them so I’m really happy.

“I got a fair amount of stick from the girls for a bit of attention that was put on it with the cameras, you want to go about the first one quite quietly.

“It was all good vibes though, the girls have been on this journey with me and seen me in rehab day to day so it was nice to be out there with them and contribute to the team finally.

“I’m aware that the game has continued to move forward in that time so I’m enjoying the challenge to pit myself against some of the girls who have developed since then."

Scarratt admitted her spell on the sidelines involved taking risks but insisted her decision to undergo surgery when given the green light was the right one.

Before she put on the number 12 shirt for Nathan Smith, the Red Roses stalwart revealed a phone call she received from head coach Mitchell before her international selection.

She said: “John wanted to congratulate me on getting back and wish me well for my first weekend which I appreciated.

“He said to not stress about the logistics, just to get myself back going and playing.

“It won't be up to me if 12 becomes my permanent position, I’ve not played there much throughout my career but it’s not too dissimilar to 13.

“It will be a little bit of learning on the way because it will be slightly different but I’m excited for that sort of challenge.

“I’m pushing to be fit and available and will leave it in other people’s hands as to what they want to do.

“I’m very aware I’ve not played any rugby in the last year and a bit.”

Four Lightning stars have been named in England's squad for the upcoming @Womens6Nations 🙌

Sadia Kabeya, Cath O'Donnell, Helena Rowland and Emily Scarratt will also be joined by Lilli Ives Campion at this week's training camp 🌹#LightningStrikes⚡️ pic.twitter.com/iLeCvs76yY

— Loughborough Lightning Rugby ⚡️ (@LightningRugby) March 11, 2024

Mitchell’s squad also includes Saracens’ Zoe Harrison and Bristol Bears’ Abbie Ward, who are set to feature at the tournament for the first time since 2022.

Trailfinders’ Vicky Laflin and Exeter’s Lizzie Hanlon and Maddie Feaunati, all uncapped, can also make their mark in the Red Roses camp.

A successful Guinness Women’s Six Nations campaign and remainder of the season with Lightning has the potential to supercharge Scarratt to a first home World Cup since 2010 next year.

Her dependable boot helped the Red Roses lift the World Cup trophy in 2014, but she insists there is plenty of rugby to be played before reaching that point.

She said: “I was really lucky to play in the home World Cup in 2010, I know what it will be like and I also know the change that’s happened in that period since.

“The more you do something and the more you grow, the more confidence you gain just being back out there.

“You can train as much as you want but it’s not the same as competing.

“Trying to get to grips with the Loughborough and England systems is an exciting challenge because it’s not an easy one.”