Vickii Cornborough 'forever grateful' after announcing England rugby retirement as she ends glittering Test career

Legendary England prop Vickii Cornborough has announced her retirement from international rugby after revealing the toll of juggling motherhood and representing her country.

The prop has earned 75 international caps and won six Six Nations titles and five Grand Slams, while also featuring in two Rugby World Cup finals.

In a statement issued on englandrugby.com, she said: "It has been an emotionally tough decision to confirm my international retirement but it’s one that is right for my family and I, personally and professionally.

"I’m proud to have played for my country 75 times, won Six Nations titles and played at two Rugby World Cups. It’s been a dream. I have given everything to the Red Roses shirt and being the best player I can be.

"Becoming a mother has been one of the best things to ever happen in my life. It’s also an incredibly difficult and demanding job. I’ll be forever grateful for the support England and Harlequins have given me over the past year. It’s great we have made such positive strides to now be talking about, and supporting, women in rugby having children.

"I’m looking forward to seeing the next wave of Red Roses come through and I’m committed to aiding the off-field development of young players where I can. In the meantime, I’ll be supporting from afar."

Cornborough's last Test appearance for the Red Roses came in the World Cup final loss to New Zealand in 2022 - all the more notable considering she played in the match whilst unknowingly being pregnant.

The 34-year-old has played an integral role in her position as Rugby Players' Association (RPA) vice-chair, and played a leading part in the creation of the Rugby Football Union's (RFU) maternity policy.

She followed on from international team-mate Abbie Ward in announcing her pregnancy after the RFU updated their maternity policy in February 2023.

England women's forwards coach Louis Deacon led the plaudits for Cornborough following her decision and added in quotes published by rugbypass.com: “Vickii has been the cornerstone of the Red Roses scrum for the past decade. There was a period where her name was the first name you expected to see on the teamsheet, such was her consistency, professionalism and quality.

“She is an extremely talented, much-loved person who has always put the needs of the team and her team-mates first. She will be missed in the Red Roses environment, but we know how amazing a mother she will continue to be.

“We wish her and her young family all the very best for the future and look forward to seeing them all soon.”

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