England's rugby titan, Emily Scarratt, has thrown down the gauntlet to the women's game, urging it to dream bigger and aim for a sold-out Allianz Stadium at Twickenham. As she hangs up her boots, Scarratt leaves behind a legacy punctuated by unmatched accolades and a bold vision for the future of women's rugby.
Scarratt's retirement announcement came with a rallying cry. "We can do anything now," she declared, her eyes firmly set on elevating the women's finals to the prestigious heights of the men's game. The idea is to host the PWR Final at the 82,000-seat Allianz Stadium—a move that could transform perceptions and scale up the sport's reach. "It’s a great challenge to have to pitch ourselves at appropriate levels and not undersell ourselves," she explained.
"I genuinely believe we can do anything now in our game,"
Last season's PWR Final at a smaller venue drew a full house, but Scarratt believes it's time to think bigger, much like the trajectory seen in women's football, where the FA Cup final pulled mammoth crowds at Wembley. The shift could mirror the explosive growth witnessed during the Women’s Rugby World Cup, where the final boasted a record-breaking attendance and TV viewership, hinting at a burgeoning fanbase ready to be tapped.
Scarratt's personal journey is equally inspiring. Turning down a basketball scholarship in the US, she chose to stay closer to home, a decision that led her to become the first English player to feature in five Rugby World Cups. "Could have been a millionaire if I’d gone over there!" she laughed. Today, she relishes the impact of her career choices, proud of the doors it has opened for future generations.
As the new PWR season kicks off, Scarratt will don the dual hat of coach and pundit, while the defending champions Gloucester-Hartpury are set to face a strong challenge from Saracens. With stars like World Rugby Player of the Year, Sophie de Goede, in action, the upcoming matches promise high stakes and higher excitement.
Engagement doesn't end with the final whistle, as Scarratt points out. The proximity and accessibility of club rugby allow fans to mingle with their heroes, enriching the fan experience and strengthening the sport's community ties. With every match broadcasted, the visibility of these incredible athletes only broadens, ensuring the women's game continues its upward trajectory.
Teams mentioned: Gloucester-Hartpury, Saracens, Harlequins, Loughborough Lightning.
2,193 posts
England's rugby titan, Emily Scarratt, has thrown down the gauntlet to the women's game, urging it to dream bigger and aim for a sold-out Allianz Stadium at Twickenham. As she hangs up her boots, Scarratt leaves behind a legacy punctuated by unmatched accolades and a bold vision for the future of women's rugby.
Scarratt's retirement announcement came with a rallying cry. "We can do anything now," she declared, her eyes firmly set on elevating the women's finals to the prestigious heights of the men's game. The idea is to host the PWR Final at the 82,000-seat Allianz Stadium—a move that could transform perceptions and scale up the sport's reach. "It’s a great challenge to have to pitch ourselves at appropriate levels and not undersell ourselves," she explained.
"I genuinely believe we can do anything now in our game,"
Last season's PWR Final at a smaller venue drew a full house, but Scarratt believes it's time to think bigger, much like the trajectory seen in women's football, where the FA Cup final pulled mammoth crowds at Wembley. The shift could mirror the explosive growth witnessed during the Women’s Rugby World Cup, where the final boasted a record-breaking attendance and TV viewership, hinting at a burgeoning fanbase ready to be tapped.
Scarratt's personal journey is equally inspiring. Turning down a basketball scholarship in the US, she chose to stay closer to home, a decision that led her to become the first English player to feature in five Rugby World Cups. "Could have been a millionaire if I’d gone over there!" she laughed. Today, she relishes the impact of her career choices, proud of the doors it has opened for future generations.
As the new PWR season kicks off, Scarratt will don the dual hat of coach and pundit, while the defending champions Gloucester-Hartpury are set to face a strong challenge from Saracens. With stars like World Rugby Player of the Year, Sophie de Goede, in action, the upcoming matches promise high stakes and higher excitement.
Engagement doesn't end with the final whistle, as Scarratt points out. The proximity and accessibility of club rugby allow fans to mingle with their heroes, enriching the fan experience and strengthening the sport's community ties. With every match broadcasted, the visibility of these incredible athletes only broadens, ensuring the women's game continues its upward trajectory.
Teams mentioned: Gloucester-Hartpury, Saracens, Harlequins, Loughborough Lightning.