Red Roses superstar Ellie Kildunne has become "Dr Kildunne" once again after receiving her second honorary doctorate in less than a year.
The England full-back was awarded an honorary degree by the University of Leeds in recognition of her outstanding contribution to rugby and women's sport.
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The latest accolade comes just eight months after Kildunne received her first honorary doctorate. In November 2025, following England's Rugby World Cup triumph, her former university, St Mary's University, London, awarded her an Honorary Doctorate in Sport.
Kildunne, who studied Sport and Exercise Science at St Mary's before launching her professional career, received the honour alongside fellow Red Roses and St Mary's alumnae Jess Breach, Abi Burton and Rosie Galligan, with the quartet recognised for their contribution to English rugby and the continued growth of the women's game.
Speaking after accepting her latest honour from the University of Leeds, Kildunne admitted she is still struggling to believe how far her journey has taken her.
"I feel like I'm talking about someone else because I'm still pinching myself that I've got these opportunities. I guess it shows where women's rugby has got to now, that we are recognised for honours like this, and it's something I'm hugely proud of."
The Yorkshire-born star also offered some advice to the graduating students.
"Keep that fire in your belly. Sometimes you might be clouded by the smoke and not really know what it's there for, but passion and drive is a hugely important trait.
"Accept that life is going to have its challenges, expect that it's not going to be a straight road, have no expectations but have high hopes and it might take you to places you never thought were possible and that's exactly what I did."
Still only 26, Kildunne continues to break new ground on and off the field. A Rugby World Cup winner, World Rugby Women's Player of the Year and now the holder of two honorary doctorates, she has become one of the defining figures in the modern women's game.
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.
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