With nearly a decade of experience in an England shirt, Ellie Kildunne has become a central figure in the Red Roses’ recent dominance, including their World Cup title victory. Her trademark curls make her instantly recognizable, a fact she acknowledges with a grin: “I think the hair is a bit of a give away.” This visibility has turned her into a prominent face for the women’s game, a reality highlighted during a recent appearance in Teddington where she was frequently stopped for photos.
Kildunne, 27, notes that the changing landscape of women’s rugby is evident in the demographics of her supporters. “I’m not saying with young girls it is a given [to be asked for a selfie] but you think that is going to happen,” she says. “These young boys look up to Jonny Wilkinson. For them to come and ask me for a picture shows how rugby is changing for women. It’s crazy.”
The full-back is currently preparing for the WXV Global Series, with England set to face Australia’s Wallaroos in Salford. However, her recent career path has seen significant upheaval following a surprise exit from Harlequins this summer. Kildunne explains that after the Women’s Six Nations, she sat down with club coaches and they “came to the conclusion” that she would no longer play there. While she admitted the news was a “shock” and noted that she was not prepared to leave while the club was struggling, she remains optimistic that the change is a necessary challenge.
Addressing reports that her departure was linked to issues with punctuality, Kildunne—who was diagnosed with ADHD in 2025—emphasized her commitment to self-improvement. “There was a little bit of worry around the negative side of things. Why did I move? What happened? That was a little bit stressful but what that has allowed is a space where I can grow,” she says. She has implemented practical changes, such as using a Garmin watch to stay on schedule, and praised the support from her new club, Bristol, where coaches have been proactive in helping her manage administrative tasks.
Kildunne stresses that she is not using her diagnosis as an excuse, but rather as a tool for accountability. “I have had to look in the mirror quite a lot and stick to my values and know I am a good player and keep that confidence but also take accountability in the places that I can get better,” she explains.
Looking ahead, the international calendar features major milestones, including the inaugural women’s British & Irish Lions tour in 2027 and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Despite the excitement surrounding these events, Kildunne is determined to remain grounded. “I can’t look too far ahead because I will lose where my feet are,” she says. Her current focus is entirely on her daily training sessions and her performance with Bristol, believing that success in the immediate future is the only way to secure a spot in those later competitions.
Having represented Team GB in sevens at the 2024 Games, Kildunne is eager for another Olympic experience, noting that she learned a great deal from her previous participation. “It was a fantastic experience. I absolutely loved it. It challenged me in different ways. It definitely developed me. I would love to do it again,” she adds.
Ultimately, Kildunne wants to be remembered for more than just her athletic achievements. “I am not going to be a rugby player for ever,” she reflects. “I wasn’t a rugby player when I came out of the womb and I am not going to be a rugby player when I am grey and old.” Her goal is to build a legacy that encompasses both her professional excellence and her character, hoping people will say, “She is a brilliant rugby player but she is also a lovely, lovely person.” The report also notes that the 27-year-old’s popularity is evidenced again when a young boy comes over for a picture with the full-back. The report also notes that there are two major events on the horizon that she is open to competing in: the 2027 inaugural women’s Br, kildunne’s destination for next season is confirmed and while she does not want to wish her time away too quickly. The report also notes that the attention that brings is on full display at a windy but sunny day in Teddington as she is stopped every few steps for pictures. The report also notes that there is more interest when a surprising story breaks, with more eyes on the game. The report also notes that “I am not trying to be late on purpose. The report also notes that so I have got myself a Garmin watch and that is keeping me on time, I’m making sure I’m never late. The report also notes that i have only been in once but even if it is just a text reminder like: ‘Hey, Ellie: you might not have seen you have this form to fill out’ and we have kind of met in the middle on that.
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