England wing Abby Dow has announced her retirement from professional rugby at the age of 28, bringing to a close a landmark international career. Dow finished with 50 tries in 59 Tests, seven Women’s Six Nations titles, two WXV1 crowns and a winning finish at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup on home soil.
Dow said she is stepping away from playing to focus on a career in engineering. She reflected on a life shaped by rugby after first picking up a ball aged five and described feeling drawn to her other passion. Grateful for the game and its people, she added that she will remain involved as a supporter: “Today, I leave rugby as a player and join as its number one fan.”
Her international journey began with a memorable England debut against Canada in 2017, when she scored two tries. It also came full circle: Dow closed her Test career against Canada in September’s World Cup final at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium, watched by a world-record crowd of 81,885.
A pacey, inventive winger, Dow combined elite sport with academic achievement, completing a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering at Imperial College London while playing at the highest level.
Red Roses head coach John Mitchell paid tribute to her impact on and off the field, praising her character, intelligence and ability to lift teammates. He highlighted Dow’s role in helping grow the women’s game through her performances, engagement with supporters and even her crochet hobby. Mitchell said the squad will miss her presence and described the loss as that of “arguably the best right winger in world rugby at the peak of her powers,” while expressing respect for her decision and confidence she will succeed in her next chapter.