Ellie Kildunne Aims to Emulate Chloe Kelly at the Women’s Rugby World Cup
The player of the year, Ellie Kildunne, has expressed her desire to follow in the footsteps of Lionesses star Chloe Kelly, ensuring that her name is recognized by fans during the Women’s Rugby World Cup. The Harlequins fullback feels optimistic about the quest for glory at home and is inspired by the success of the English female footballers, who retained their European champion title. Kelly, from Arsenal, played a prominent role in England’s triumph at the 2025 European Championship, earning recognition for scoring the decisive goal in the 2022 European Championship final at Wembley. Kildunne is fundamental to the Red Roses’ aspirations of lifting the trophy at Twickenham next month and hopes the team can follow in the footsteps of the Lionesses, becoming household names and raising the profile of women’s sport.England will start the World Cup on August 22 against the United States in Sunderland and will also face Samoa and Australia in Group A. The hosts arrive at the competition as the number one team in the world, tournament favorites and with seven consecutive Six Nations titles.“Outside this pub, Chloe Kelly shirts are being sold on the street. That’s what the Euros have done for the Lionesses and the opportunity we have with this World Cup is to have Kildunne shirts for sale; for girls and boys to have posters of Emily Scarratt and Meg Jones on their walls and not just Jonny Wilkinson”.
Ellie Kildunne
Kildunne consolidated her status as the image of the tournament by being named world player of the year after an outstanding 2024, in which she scored 14 tries in nine matches. The 25-year-old player said she is not intimidated by the prospect of increased scrutiny.“Her ability to keep fighting and not give up is something that inspires many people. As Red Roses, it’s something we can draw inspiration from because it won’t be easy, we’ll have to work very hard.”
Ellie Kildunne
Kildunne was part of the England team that was defeated 34-31 by New Zealand in the 2022 World Cup final, after a red card for her teammate Lydia Thompson in the 18th minute. “The disappointment and anguish of the last World Cup rekindled a flame within me that I already thought was burning quite strongly. We have learned a lot from that tournament and have built a lot in our culture, so we are in a completely different space. It’s something you can rewrite and we are very focused on that. It’s not a story of revenge, but of rewriting,” concluded Kildunne.“I see it as pressure, but I don’t think pressure is a bad thing. I see pressure as a privilege and I definitely think it’s a good thing. I use the pressure to challenge myself, exceed people’s expectations and rewrite what people may think I can do and take it to the next level. I feel strong and confident, the most confident I’ve felt, so I’m ready and eager to start”.
Ellie Kildunne
