Ellie Kildunne: England’s Rugby Star Shines in World Cup 2025 Campaign

World’s Best Player Leading England’s World Cup Charge

Ellie Kildunne, the English rugby union player, currently represents both the England women’s national rugby union team and Harlequins Women at club level. Her exceptional talent was recognized when she was named World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year at the World Rugby Awards in 2024.

As the tournament hosts for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, England enter the competition as favourites, with an impressive record of just one defeat in their last 58 matches. The team, currently ranked first in the world, has demonstrated their dominance by securing six consecutive Six Nations Grand Slams.

Recent World Cup Performance

Kildunne has already made her mark in the 2025 World Cup, leading England to a commanding 69-7 victory over the United States in their opening match in Sunderland. The game, which saw England score 11 tries, featured an outstanding performance from Kildunne, who earned player of the match honors and contributed multiple tries to the victory.

The match was particularly significant as it was played in front of a tournament-record crowd of 42,723 at the Stadium of Light. Kildunne’s remarkable career statistics now include 41 tries in 53 Tests for England, establishing her as one of the most prominent figures in women’s rugby.

Looking Ahead

Following their impressive opening victory, Kildunne emphasized the importance of learning and progressing from each game, noting that the team is preparing for their next challenge against Samoa. With England determined to end their World Cup ‘heartbreak’ and secure the one trophy that has eluded them for so long, Kildunne’s leadership and exceptional skill will be crucial to their campaign.