Ellie Kildunne: Key Player in England's 2025 Rugby World Cup Victory
Ellie Kildunne played a pivotal role in England's triumph at the 2025 Rugby World Cup, notably scoring a try in the final against Canada. With 57 caps and 235 points for England, Kildunne has established herself as a significant figure in women's rugby. In 2024, she was honored as the World Rugby Women's 15s Player of the Year.
During the 2025 World Cup semi-final, Kildunne scored an impressive long-range try following an on-field exchange with a French opponent. The team's World Cup celebrations included the memorable cowboy dance with teammates Meg Jones and Jess Breach.
Kildunne plays at full-back for both England and Harlequins, training at Harlequins' Guildford ground. Formerly, she played for Gloucester-Hartpury. Raised on a remote farm in West Yorkshire, she initially played rugby with boys before relocating to Gloucester at age 16. She made her England debut in 2017 as a substitute against Canada, scoring a try on that first appearance.
She regards the current period as the golden age of women's sport, citing improvements in pay and brand opportunities. Her income derives from her England salary, Harlequins salary, Premiership Women’s Rugby salary, and commercial endorsements.
Off the field, Kildunne ended a 4–5 year-long relationship with Cameron Sommerville-Bailey just prior to the Six Nations tournament.
