World Cup winner Fleetwood announces retirement
Vicky Fleetwood will hang up her boots at the end of the season after an illustrious career.
Born in Nuneaton in 1990, she first played rugby aged 14 after tiring of watching her brother play. Vicky joined Litchfield aged 17 and made her Red Roses debut in 2011, starting at hooker in England’s 15-11 defeat over the USA.
Vicky joined Saracens in 2014 and featured in the squad that won the Rugby World Cup that same year, playing six times in the campaign. By July 2015 she reached 50 caps for her country, and later went on to feature in the Red Roses’ 2017 World Cup efforts.
At the culmination of the tournament she switched codes and joined England Sevens, where she helped the team on their way to a bronze medal in the 2018 Commonwealth games. Her return to 15-a-side rugby in 2019 came as the side were preparing for a Six Nations, which they went on to win as Grand Slam champions.
Despite being sidelined by injury for the 2019 Super Series campaign, Vicky returned in the Autumn and was named Player of the Match in England’s Quilter international against Italy. She then went on to feature prominently in the Red Roses’ 2020 Six Nations campaign.
In total, Vicky contributed to five Six Nations titles, four of which were Grand Slams. She played 82 times for England, starting on 45 of those occasions and scoring 14 tries throughout her career. She is also a two-time Premier 15s title winner with Saracens.
"My rugby career has been an incredible journey and has given me memories that will last forever," she said. "Being part of the Red Roses is something special and I’m proud that I got to wear the white shirt on so many occasions.
"Rugby has given me so much to be thankful for, and I’ve met some amazing people along the way. Although it’s time to step away from playing, I will continue to stay in the game through my coaching - something I am very passionate about."
