England star Ellie Kildunne has revealed the emotional moment she knew Bristol Bears was the right move, after confirming her switch from Harlequins ahead of the 2026/27 season.
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The 26-year-old full-back announced her departure from Harlequins last month, bringing an end to a successful five-year spell in West London. At the time, Kildunne admitted she was unsure where she would be playing her club rugby next season.
Now, the reigning World Player of the Year has put an end to the speculation by signing for Premiership Women's Rugby rivals Bristol Bears.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Kildunne admitted the past few months had been uncertain as she weighed up her options, but said joining Bristol immediately felt like the right decision.
"I finally knew what I wanted to do," Kildunne said.
"I needed to have the right conversations and make sure it's the right club for me, and I couldn't be happier with the conversations that I had.
"I knew straight away that it was right for me."
ELLIE KILDUNNE FACTS:
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.
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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.
- 2025 left to sign with Bristol bears
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.
NAME EVERY ENGLAND MEN'S CAPTAIN OF THE PROFESSIONAL ERA:
Since rugby turned professional in 1995, England have had a host of captains lead the team through World Cups, Grand Slams, Lions tours and some of the biggest moments in the sport's history.
From World Cup-winning legends to short-term stand-ins, how many England captains of the professional era can you name?
You have five minutes to name them all. Good luck!?
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