Abby Dow retires

[Ddanno]

Abby Dow: England World Cup winner retires from rugby at 28

England's World Cup-winning wing Abby Dow announces her retirement from rugby at the age of 28 in order to focus on a career in mechanical engineering.

www.bbc.co.uk

That's a real shame, such an exciting player to watch.

 

[Which Tyler]

Was pretty much expected - noted several times during the RWC the she wasn't affiliated with any club - several rounds or PWR have been played, with no announcement, R360 dead on its arse...

 

[Vaquer]

Won't pretend I've looked up what women's players get paid but I can imagine using one's leave from your normal job to play rugby away from home is something you might be jack of by 28

 

[Which Tyler]

Won't pretend I've looked up what women's players get paid but I can imagine using one's leave from your normal job to play rugby away from home is something you might be jack of by 28

Salary cap in PWR is £250k for the whole squad.
RFU pays England players 35-50k (tiered); plus performance related bonuses.
IIRC English players are the best paid.

Abby would presumably have been in the top tier, and would have topped that up by £15k for winning the RWC, and £6k for winning a 6N grand slam (not sure what the appearance fees are). So it's decent, but that dedication of time means you'll be missing a bunch of experience and a few promotion opportunities in your chosen job. Also the risk of injury (which Abby knows well), and I won't blame anyone for prioritising their health and career.
Going out on her own terms, on a high... she'll have no regrets