Loughborough Lightning’s former Red Roses prop Laura Keates has announced her retirement from rugby, at the age of 37.
The Bahrain-born tighthead amassed 62 England caps in a decade-long international career which saw her play a key role in the Red Roses’ 2014 Rugby World Cup triumph in Paris, as well as lifting two Six Nations titles in 2012 and 2017.
She enjoyed a long and distinguished stint with Worcester Warriors Women before finishing her playing career with Loughborough Lightning, making 20 appearances and scoring four tries across the 2023/24 and 2024/25 campaigns.
Keates has balanced her playing career with studying dentistry and is now working full-time at a practice in Malvern, ushering the end of her rugby playing career.
“I am leaving rugby in a really good place. It is time to step away, which is sad, but also definitely the right time,” she said. “I’m lucky to have a career outside of rugby that I’m really enjoying to throw myself into now.”
Having missed out on the 2017 World Cup due to an Achilles injury, Keates fought her way back into the England squad for the 2021 edition, played a year late due to Covid-19, but suffered further injury heartbreak when she ruptured her ACL in training during the competition in New Zealand.
It was when Keates was nearing the end of her rehabilitation from that major setback when Worcester Warriors were withdrawn from the PWR on the eve of the 2023/24 season.
“When Worcester folded it was my 19th season with the club, at the time I thought I’d never play for someone else,” she said. “I just felt a little bit lost. I wasn’t ready to retire, but I didn’t know who else to play for.
“Scaz [Emily Scarratt] messaged me asking if some of the coaches from Loughborough could have my number. Then Nathan [Smith, Head Coach] rang me and we had a really open and honest chat about my role within the club.
“I spent the day watching a training session at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, and it was the first time since Worcester folded that I felt positive about rugby again. I am massively grateful for the opportunities that Loughborough gave me. There’s a great group of girls there, the coaches are really good and the facilities are amazing.
“Nathan has been really supportive given I was effectively working full-time. The physios and S&C team gave me fantastic support to get me back fit, and I eventually played the last five games of the 2023/24 season.”
After nearly two years away from the top-flight of English women’s rugby, Keates return came from the Lightning bench against Sale Sharks in April 2024, earning her the #123 Lightning heritage number. A fortnight late and just seven minutes into her first Lightning start, Keates crossed the line against defending champions Gloucester-Hartpury as she ended the 2023/24 campaign with five appearances and two tries.
“Since 2017, I had done my Achilles, my ACL, my MCL, and then my ACL again,” the 2014 World Cup winner said. “I had played a few games for Worcester in the new Premiership league, but I hadn’t played a whole season, from preseason all the way through.
“I had played in the old one, but everything with the PWR was getting bigger, better and more professional. I wanted more than anything to be able to do a full PWR season, and I knew at the end of that 2023/24 season, I wasn’t done.”
Keates reported in for preseason training and would miss only one game of the 2024/25 season, ultimately playing her 20th and final game for Lightning – and her career – as a replacement in the thrilling 36-34 success against Trailfinders Women in February 2025.
She explained: “It was a fantastic season, I played a big part in the games and in the season and I don’t think I could’ve topped that. I think that’s one of the reasons why I feel content with my decision to retire.”
Lightning Head Coach Smith said: “Keatesy came to us at a time where we were needing some experience in the pivotal position of tighthead. She had a lot to balance with her increasing working commitments, but together we made it work.
“I am so pleased that she got to end her rugby career on her terms. She proved in the season-and-a-bit with us just what a quality performer she is, and I am so glad she decided to get the boots back on and write her final chapter of a brilliant career with us.
“While we will miss her on and off the pitch, the time was right for her and she leaves us in a good place at tighthead prop with new signing Mae Sagapolu joining our stable of tightheads that also includes Christine Belisle, Grace Clifford and the versatile talents of Isla Curphey.”
With thanks to Loughborough Lightning
