England’s Vickii Cornborough announces retirement from international rugby

England’s Vickii Cornborough, a stalwart of the Red Roses, has announced her retirement from international rugby at the age of 34. The Harlequins prop, who made her debut for England in 2015, leaves the sport after an illustrious career that saw her earn 75 caps, win six Six Nations titles, and reach two World Cup finals.

Cornborough’s decision to retire comes after she gave birth to twins last summer and cited the mental toll of balancing motherhood with the demands of high-performance rugby. In a statement, she expressed that “living off a couple of hours of sleep a night is not conducive to a high-performance pressure environment,” highlighting the challenges she faced in juggling her personal and professional responsibilities.

As vice-chair of the Rugby Players’ Association, Cornborough played a key role in advocating for improved maternity policies within the Rugby Football Union. Her efforts led to the introduction of updated guidelines last year, aimed at supporting female players who become mothers while pursuing their rugby careers.

Reflecting on her decision to retire, Cornborough acknowledged the emotional weight of stepping away from the Red Roses but emphasized that it was the right choice for her and her family. She expressed gratitude for the support she received from England and Harlequins, noting the positive strides made in supporting women in rugby who choose to have children.

Looking ahead, Cornborough expressed excitement about the next generation of Red Roses players and her commitment to supporting their off-field development. While she may be stepping back from the international stage, her impact on the sport and dedication to advancing women’s rugby will continue to be felt.

As fans bid farewell to a true rugby icon, Cornborough’s legacy as a trailblazer for women in the sport will endure, inspiring future generations of players to strive for excellence both on and off the field.