Emily Scarratt MBE immortalised with mural in Leicester

A mural of England women's rugby star, Emily Scarratt MBE, has been painted in Leicester to celebrate her achievements and her role in establishing the England Rugby women's team. Emily, who was born and raised in Leicester, has gone on be England's record point scorer and is currently Vice-Captain of the national team; she was awarded an MBE in 2021 for her service to the Rugby union.

The artwork can be found at Leicester Forest Rugby Club where Emily had her first experience with the game at aged five, alongside her older brother. The mural is one of many around the country dedicated to her teammates, including Red Roses captain Sarah Hunter in Newcastle and Shaunagh Brown in London.

The 32-year-old is currently competing for the Red Roses in New Zealand against the world's best teams. Emily said of the mural: "Growing up, it was my dad and brother who I looked up to, but I'm so happy that any girl who plays for Leicester Forest RFC and across the broader area now has a woman to look up to."

Emily was supported by Active Together's GO GOLD Funding Programme (now Team Leicestershire Talent), for a number of years and has previously expressed her thanks saying "I was extremely fortunate to have been helped during my development through the GO GOLD Funding Programme. It provided valuable funds that enabled me to use the best training facilities and equipment to continue to push on and improve".

Source: Leicester Mercury

Image: England Rugby