Scotland’s Sarah Law announces retirement
Sarah Law has played 53 times for Scotland
©PA
Scotland scrum-half Sarah Law has announced her decision to retire from professional rugby.
Law started playing rugby at Penicuik Rugby Club aged five and moved to Murrayfield Wanderers in 2012. She went on to captain the winning 2017 University of Edinburgh team that played in The British Universities and Colleges Sport Championship.
The 29-year-old was signed by Darlington Mowden Park in 2019.
“It’s no secret that throughout my rugby playing years, I’ve had numerous battles with injuries”, said Law.
“Getting back up after each one gave me so much joy and sense of achievement but it also dented the energy stores just a little more. Two years ago, ironically just days before becoming a full-time athlete, I learned that I have a condition called Axial Spondylitis, a rheumatic condition and something that I will have for the rest of my life.
“In many ways, the timing of the diagnosis was a perfect illustration of the highs and lows of my rugby career even if it has helped to explain some of the rehab rollercoasters that I’ve been on."
Her Scotland debut came in 2013 against England in the Women's Six Nations after playing for Scotland 7s. In 2017 she became the fourth woman to earn a professional contract from Scottish Rugby and has overall played for the Dark Blues in 53 Tests.
Her last appearance for Scotland was during the 2021 Rugby World Cup but was diagnosed with Axial Spondyloarthritis, a form of inflammatory arthritis forcing her to retire from the game.
“I’m still learning how to manage this diagnosis – some days feel great, and others are a struggle to move around, let alone train as an elite athlete. The urge within, the need to push oneself to be faster, stronger, fitter in order to keep up with your opponents is a constant at the top level.
“I’ve always prided myself on giving 100 percent effort and commitment every day and I do know that I’ve given it my all – it has taken its toll both physically and mentally and I haven’t got any more to give.
“It has taken more than a team’s worth of physios, doctors and coaches to support me along the way. I want to thank every one of them. Their persistence, patience and endless support over the years is the reason that I’ve lasted as long as this, for which I’m so thankful.”
