Biography
Ellie Kildunne was born on September 8, 1999, in Keighley, Yorkshire, England. From a young age, she displayed a strong passion for sports, particularly rugby. Kildunne grew up playing both rugby league and rugby union in her hometown of Keighley, where she was often the only girl on the field. Her journey in rugby started at the age of seven, and she showed remarkable talent, which led her to pursue the sport professionally. She also pursued education in Sport and Exercise Science at St Mary’s University, Twickenham, through a scholarship program, all while advancing her rugby career.
Teams and Years Played
- Keighley Albion – (Youth Rugby League team)
- Keighley RUFC – (Youth Rugby Union team)
- Gloucester-Hartpury – 2017–2018
- Wasps – 2020–2021
- Harlequins Women – 2021–Present
International Appearances
Ellie Kildunne has been an international sensation for England since her debut in 2017. To date, she has played 38 matches for the England national team, scoring 120 points. She has also represented England in international sevens from 2018 to 2020.
Key Moments in Her Sporting Career
- 2017: Made her debut for the England 15s team, scoring a try in her first match against Canada.
- 2018 Six Nations Championship: Kildunne played a key role in England’s campaign, starting five of the matches and earning the title of Player of the Match in the victory over Ireland.
- 2018: Transitioned to the England Sevens team, where she contributed to the team’s successful qualification for the 2020 Summer Olympics.
- 2020: Kildunne helped England win the Women’s Six Nations Championship.
- 2021: Continued her stellar performances as part of the England squad that secured the Women’s Six Nations Championship title again.
- 2022: Was part of the squad that competed in the delayed 2021 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
- 2024: She became the top try scorer in the 2024 Six Nations Grand Slam-winning campaign. Later that year, she was named to join the England squad in preparation for the 2024 Summer Olympics, where she represented Great Britain.
Ellie Kildunne’s career has been one of steady rise, marked by numerous accolades and contributions to her teams at both club and international levels. With her versatility as a center and fullback, she continues to be a crucial player for both Harlequins Women and the England national tea