Harlequins trio announce retirements

Former England trio Shaunagh Brown, Emily Scott and Rachael Burford have announced their retirements from rugby at the end of the season.

The three former Red Roses all play for Harlequins, who are currently sixth in the Premiership Women's table.

Prop Brown, 34, initially called time on her career in December 2022 but came out of retirement to rejoin her club side Quins this season.

She played 30 matches for England from 2017 to 2022, winning four successive Six Nations Grand Slams.

Harlequins revealed Brown will retire from all rugby at the end of this campaign in a post on the club's X account.

Quins also confirmed former England centre Burford is retiring.

The 37-year-old World Cup winner, who won 84 international caps between 2006 and 2019, signed her "final contract" with Harlequins in November.

"As I step into the next chapter of my life, I do so with a heart full of treasured memories and immense gratitude," Burford wrote in an open letter to Quins fans.

"Though I will no longer be on the field I will always be a Harlequin at heart, cheering for the team and supporting the sport I love in every possible way."

Scott, 31, moved to Harlequins from Saracens in 2018. She has won two Premier 15s titles, one with Quins and one with previous club Sarries, as well as 38 caps for England.

Harlequins host Trailfinders in their final league match of the season on Sunday (2 June).