England’s Rugby World Cup winner Abby Dow has shocked her fans by announcing early retirement at age 28.
Former member of the England women’s national rugby team Abby announced her retirement on Wednesday, November 26, 2025.
As reported by BBC, the former English player expressed that she had made a bold move to pursue her career goals.
While giving a formal statement to the Rugby Football Union, Abby 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.”
Abby is considered as, one of the most outstanding finishers of her generation, as she scored 50 tries in just 59 tests after her debut in 2017.
She was an integral part of the Red Roses’ victorious World Cup campaign but decided to step away from rugby and pursue her career in engineering.
Red Roses head coach John Mitchell says, “We are losing the best winger in world rugby at the peak of her powers, but we fully respect her decision to move on to a new chapter.”
Moreover, Abby won seven Six Nations titles with England-including six Grand Slams and two WXV1 triumphs.
She also accelerated Red Roses’ World Cup final win over Canada on September 27, 2025.
Abby revealed that she had plans for pursuing mechanical engineering after completing her degree at Imperial College London.
While giving an exclusive interview to BBC, Abby expressed, “I know I could go to another World Cup, I could go on a Lions tour- I do appreciate these are big things, but I’m also excited for different chapters of my life.”
Abby Dow adored her brilliant rugby journey as an incredible opportunity to grow.
“I’ve had five years of being a professional athlete that I would never regret and I think I’ve given as much as I can in this form of the game and I’m just ready for the next move.”
Additionally, former rugby player Abby has been best known for her crochet artworks off the pitch.
Abby is famous for producing ‘yarn bombing’ accessories and was often seen crocheting as her favorite hobby.
Soon after the 2025 Rugby World Cup, Abby’s fans quickly adopted her style and were often seen wearing crochet accessories.
