Heartbreaking as Harlequins hero says goodbye to rugby career

Rachael Burford struggled to hold back the tears as she bid farewell to a legendary career in rugby following Harlequins’ final game of the Allianz Premiership Women’s Rugby season.

Having spent a remarkable 20 years in the sport, Burford has continually been at the heart of the development of the women’s game, blazing a trail and departs the pitch as an inspiration to many.

Burford enjoyed vast success for both club and country, with her crowning achievement coming as part of the England squad that won the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2014.

Now, almost a decade on from that night in Paris, Burford was taken aback by emotion as she made her way off the pitch for the final time, serenaded by the applause of the appreciative Stoop faithful.

Rachael Burford, the  to It meant the world to her to see the audience up on their feet and to see her family and old teammates, she remarked. It was a truly unique occasion, and I will cherish it forever.

I was trying not to cry because that was what made me cry. This is the first time I’ve cried this week.
Rachael Burford, the  to With the regular season drawing to an end, all eyes will be on the Allianz Premiership Women’s Rugby championship match, where the winners will be announced as either the Bristol Bears, Exeter Chiefs, Gloucester-Hartpury, or Saracens.

Burford has played in three finals with Harlequins over her seven years in West London, so she is well-versed in the game.

Her first two seasons at the Stoop ended in sadness as city rivals Saracens defeated her team, Quins, despite her intense desire to capture championship gold with Quins.

However, when they made a third appearance in 2021—against the same opponent—Harlequins were ultimately successful in taking revenge on a grand scale.

Emphasising the impact the game can have on young people, she has insisted that she will continue to try and give back to the sport that has given her so much.

“I massively want to thank this game because it’s given me so much more than I’ve given it to back to it,” she added.

“I just want to be able to continue growing our sport because I look back on all the opportunities it gave me, all the experiences, the good times, the challenges and the lessons learned – it’s ultimately shaped who I am today.

“I think the more that we can inspire young people to pick up a rugby ball, whatever level it is, it will give them something back as well. That’s really important to me.”