England prop Vickii Cornborough has announced her retirement from international rugby, citing mental readiness concerns following the birth of her twins last summer.
With 75 caps for the Red Roses and two World Cup finals under her belt, the 34-year-old has been on maternity leave from the England set-up. Despite feeling physically strong, Cornborough expressed struggles with sleep deprivation and the demands of high-performance rugby.
Her decision marks the end of a decorated career that included four Six Nations titles and appearances at the 2017 and 2021 World Cups.
Cornborough, who played in the 2022 World Cup final while unaware of her pregnancy, emphasized the weight of her decision and her excitement for the next chapter. She also highlighted the importance of her dual career with Cloud Direct, which provided flexibility in her retirement planning.
Additionally, Cornborough praised the Rugby Football Union’s updated maternity policy, which she believes offers better support to players transitioning into motherhood.
As the second England player to announce pregnancy following the policy update, Cornborough aims to inspire others and control her own narrative amidst the challenges of balancing rugby and motherhood.
