England Red Roses winger and Women’s Rugby World Cup winner Abbie Dow has announced her retirement from professional rugby at the age of 28.
The winger leaves the sport having scored a sensational 50 tries in 59 Tests, winning seven Women’s Six Nations titles, two WXV1 titles and a 2025 World Cup crown with her country.
Dow said he is leaving the sport to pursue a career in engineering.
“When I picked up a rugby ball at the age of five, I had no idea that I was beginning a 23-year career in the sport,” Dow said.
“Rugby has been central to my life and has shaped me into the person I am today. However, I felt drawn to another passion, engineering, so I decided to hang up my shoes and try my luck in another world.
“The rugby family has given me more than I can ever give back. I would like to thank my coaches, family, friends and most importantly, the fans. They have allowed me to be a part of something truly amazing. I feel so honored and humbled. Today, I leave rugby as a player and join as rugby’s number one fan. Thank you everyone!”
Dow made his England debut against Canada in 2017, scoring two tries, and ended his Test career against the same side in the World Cup final at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium in September in front of a world record crowd of 81,885.
Dow finishes her Test career with an astonishing 50 tries in 59 Tests and seven Women’s Six Nations titles.
A winger blessed with speed and creativity, Dow reached the pinnacle of his rugby career, earning a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Imperial College London.
Red Roses head coach John Mitchell said: “Abby is a great individual and a fierce competitor who elevates those around her. She is intelligent, perceptive and curious, which characterize her brilliant Red Rose career throughout her 59 caps.”
“Abby was part of an era of tremendous growth for the Red Roses game, and through her love of crochet, interaction with supporters and undeniable rugby ability, she helped take the women’s game to unprecedented heights.
“Personally, I believe we will lose perhaps the best right-winger in world rugby at her peak. However, 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 in whatever she chooses to do next – as we know she will.”
