Bristol Bears Women have pulled off one of the biggest signings in women’s rugby by securing the services of England superstar Ellie Kildunne ahead of the 2026/27 season.
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The reigning World Rugby Player of the Year arrives at Ashton Gate as one of the sport’s most recognisable names, adding serious firepower to Bristol’s ambitions of challenging for major honours.
Kildunne has been a key figure for England during one of the most successful periods in Red Roses history, helping her country to multiple Guinness Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam titles and playing a starring role during the Rugby World Cup campaign that culminated in last year’s final at Allianz Stadium.
Her influence extends far beyond rugby. In 2025, Kildunne finished runner-up in the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award, underlining her growing status as one of Britain’s leading sporting stars.
Speaking about the move, Kildunne said Bristol’s attacking style and ambition made the club an easy choice.
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"Bristol Bears feels like the perfect club for me at this stage of my career," she said.
"The way the team plays is hugely exciting and completely aligned with how I want to express myself on the pitch. Bristol has built a fantastic brand in women’s rugby. It’s a club that’s ambitious, innovative and isn’t afraid to do things differently."
Bears head coach Scott Lawson described the signing as a major statement.
"Signing Ellie is a huge statement of intent," Lawson said.
"She is not only one of the finest talents on the planet, but also a player who inspires people far beyond rugby. We’re thrilled she has chosen Bristol as the next chapter in her career."
The signing is likely to be viewed as one of the biggest transfers in the history of the women’s game.
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Ellie Kildunne: 10 Things to Know About England’s Six Nations star
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 singl
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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