England and Harlequins full-back Ellie Kildunne has been named World Rugby’s Women’s Player of the Year, a recognition of her stellar performances and contributions to the sport. The 25-year-old has been instrumental in England’s remarkable success this year, scoring 14 tries in just nine test matches for the Red Roses.
Kildunne’s achievements include being named Player of the Championship at the 2024 Six Nations, where she helped lead England to a Grand Slam victory. Her form on the field has been exceptional, contributing to England’s ongoing 20-match winning streak.
Upon receiving the award, Ellie expressed how “truly honoured” she was, thanking her family, teammates, coaches, and all the pioneers who fought for the recognition of female rugby players. With the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup set to take place in England, Kildunne’s team are heavy favorites to claim the title, thanks to their dominance in the sport.
Five Cool Things About Ellie Kildunne:
Early Debut: Ellie made her debut for England at just 18 years old, showcasing her potential early on.
Rugby Sevens Olympian: She is not only a top rugby union player but also an accomplished rugby sevens player. Ellie represented Team GB at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where her team finished seventh.
Fashion Innovator: Ellie has a passion for fashion, even designing an innovative clothing range specifically for female rugby players.
Rugby Podcast Host: Along with her Red Roses teammate Jess Breach, Ellie co-hosts a rugby podcast, where they discuss the sport and share insights from their careers.
Versatile Athlete: In her younger years, Ellie played football and rugby league, demonstrating her versatility as an athlete.
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