Sarah Law: Former Scotland half-back retires from rugby at 29

Former Scotland half-back Sarah Law has announced her retirement from rugby at the age of 29.

Law was diagnosed with axial spondyloarthritis, a form of inflammatory arthritis, prior to representing her country at the last Women’s World Cup in 2022, where she made the last of her 53 Scotland appearances.

She captained the University of Edinburgh and later featured for Darlington Mowden Park Sharks.

“It’s no secret that throughout my rugby playing years, I’ve had numerous battles with injuries,” she said.

“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.

“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.”