Portugal Colonial - Women's World Cup winner Dow retires from rugby

One of the outstanding finishers of her generation, Dow scored 50 tries in just 59 Tests.

She also won seven Six Nations titles, including six Grand Slams, before helping tournament hosts England lift the Women's Rugby World Cup in September with a 33-13 win in the final over Canada staged in front of a sell-out Twickenham crowd of nearly 82,000 -- a record for a women's rugby match.

But Dow, who holds an engineering degree from Imperial College, London, believes now is the right time to end her celebrated rugby career.

"Rugby has been central to my life and has shaped me into who I am today. However, I feel the pull of my other passion -– engineering -- so I have decided to hang up my boots and try my luck in a different world," said Dow in a Rugby Football Union statement.

"The rugby family has given much more that I could ever give back. I would like to thank my coaches, family, friends, and most importantly, the fans.

"They have enabled me to participate in something truly wonderful. I feel very privileged and humble."

England women's coach John Mitchell paid tribute to Dow by saying: "Abby is an awesome individual and a fierce competitor who lifts those around her.

"She is intelligent, insightful and inquisitive –- attributes that have defined the brilliant Red Rose she has been across her 59 caps."

The New Zealander added: "I personally believe that we are losing arguably the best right winger in world rugby at the peak of her powers, but we fully respect her decision to move on to a new chapter."

X.Matos--PC