Today, Ellie Kildunne is set to start in the Six Nations Grand Slam decider — another landmark moment in an already extraordinary career.
Widely regarded as one of England’s most exciting talents, Kildunne has become a standout figure in women’s rugby thanks to her pace, flair, and attacking brilliance. Before she takes the field in this historic clash, here are 10 key things to know about the England star.
Join the RUCK’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
1. Early beginnings in Yorkshire
Ellie Kildunne was born on 8 September 1999 in Keighley, West Yorkshire, England. She began playing rugby at seven, initially in rugby league before switching to rugby union at nine. Her early dedication set the stage for her rapid rise in the sport.
2. Dual-code roots
Kildunne is a versatile player who has excelled in both rugby union and rugby sevens. She represented England in sevens between 2018 and 2020, and later played for Great Britain in 2024. This experience makes her adaptable across formats and tactical systems.
⭐ Save us to your Google Favourites for nonstop RUCK content!
3. Club career trajectory
- Began with Gloucester-Hartpury in 2017–2018.
- Played for Wasps during the 2020–2021 season.
- Since 2021, she has been a star at Harlequins Women.
4. International debut and rise
Ellie Kildunne made her England debut in 2017, scoring a try in her very first match against Canada. Since then, she has grown into a cornerstone of the Red Roses’ backline.
5. Standout 2024 campaign
In 2024, Ellie Kildunne enjoyed a career-defining season:
- Top try scorer and top points scorer in the Women’s Six Nations.
- Named Player of the Tournament in the 2024 Six Nations.
- Awarded World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year in November 2024.
6. Playing style & strengths
Kildunne primarily plays fullback but can excel at centre. Her electric pace, elusive running, and attacking creativity make her one of the most dangerous players on the pitch.
7. 50-cap milestone & try scoring record
By early 2025, Ellie Kildunne was set to earn her 50th cap for England. She has already scored dozens of tries for her country, quickly rising through England’s try-scoring ranks.
8. World Cup winner
Kildunne played a major role in England’s victorious 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup campaign, helping the Red Roses lift the trophy on home soil after defeating Canada in the final at Twickenham.
Her performances throughout the tournament further cemented her reputation as one of the best players in the world.
9. Off the field: media, brand & personality
Off the pitch, Ellie Kildunne is a media personality and influencer, with her own podcast and brand partnerships. Her outspoken nature and authentic style have made her one of the most recognizable faces in women’s rugby.
10. Relationship status
Ellie Kildunne was previously in a long-term relationship with Cameron Sommerville-Bailey. However, she is now understood to be single.
England’s Red Roses Partners Revealed Ahead of Six Nations Grand Slam Decider
Zoe Aldcroft & Luke Stratford
World Cup-winning captain Zoe Aldcroft shares a heartwarming rugby romance with her husband, Luke Stratford. The pair first met outside a nightclub in Gloucester, but their relationship truly blossomed when Luke cleverly booked physio sessions at the same time as Zoe before they officially got together.
The couple tied the knot in June 2024 at Hackness Grange in Scarborough. Zoe shared snaps of their special day on Instagram, captioning the post: “The best day of my life with the absolute love of my life.”
Their bond is strengthened by a shared love of rugby. Luke currently serves as the Women’s Scrum Coach at Sale Sharks, having previously coached Leicester Tigers Women.
Although Aldcroft was named England captain earlier in the year, she will miss the 2026 Six Nations as the couple prepare to welcome their first child. Speaking on the England Rugby Podcast: O2 Inside Line, she revealed that Luke was one of the first people she called after learning of her captaincy.
Hannah Botterman & Georgia Evans
Loosehead prop Hannah Botterman has found love across the Severn Bridge with Wales international Georgia Evans. Following her reported split from fellow Red Roses star Holly Aitchison, fans began speculating about the relationship after Evans was spotted supporting England during the recent tournament—most notably wearing a Red Roses shirt during the final.
The rumours have since been confirmed, with the cross-border couple now officially an item, proving that rugby rivalries stop at the touchline.
CONTINUES ON PAGE 2
