Ellie Kildunne opens up on brave battle with diagnosis and personal struggles
Rugby NewsThursday, 06 August 2026 at 13:38
Ellie Kildunne has spoken candidly about the "crippling body dysmorphia" she battled during the early years of her Red Roses career, revealing how an unhealthy obsession with performance and weight almost consumed her.
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The reigning World Player of the Year shares her story in her new book Game Changer, with extracts first published by The Telegraph. In the book, Kildunne explains how the relentless pursuit of improvement left her trapped in damaging patterns around exercise, food and self-image.
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"It Was A New Record Or Nothing"
Kildunne admits her drive to become a better player often became self-destructive, particularly during solo training sessions.
She writes:
"On some runs, I'd realise halfway I wasn't going to set a new record, so I would give up and walk back to my car because I didn't see the point in completing the run. It was a new record or nothing."
That perfectionist mindset soon extended beyond training.
Struggles With Body Image
Despite already being one of the smallest players in the England squad, Kildunne became convinced that losing more weight would make her quicker.
"It was a damaging mindset, but that's how I thought at the time," she writes.
"I just couldn't stop the thoughts controlling my eating. I'm quite small anyway, but I had crippling body dysmorphia that impacted me both mentally and physically."
The Intervention That Changed Everything
A turning point came after lockdown when Wasps physiotherapist Emily Ross noticed Kildunne's physical condition and decided to intervene.
Kildunne recalls Ross sitting her down and asking if everything was OK.
"I burst into tears," she writes.
That emotional conversation marked the beginning of her recovery, with Kildunne receiving the support she needed from those around her.
Recovery Is An Ongoing Journey
While Kildunne says she is now in a much healthier place, she admits the challenges have not completely disappeared.
"I don't think things are ever really fixed," she says.
"It's something I've got to be cautious of every day. Where commentators might say, 'Ellie's not the biggest on the pitch, but she's stronger than she looks'. Things like that, I've got to deal with that. Because they think it's OK."
Hoping To Help Others
The Red Roses full-back hopes speaking openly about her experiences will encourage other athletes to seek help and raise awareness about how seemingly harmless comments can have a lasting impact.
She recalls people jokingly telling her to "eat a burger" without knowing what she was going through.
"That triggered me not to want to eat any more," Kildunne explains.
"It was more of an awareness piece, so anyone who is going through that knew if they can see me being strong and going into contact... I really had to work for that. And there is a way out of it."
Kildunne also praised England footballer Alessia Russo for speaking publicly about similar experiences, saying her honesty inspired her to tell her own story.
ADHD Diagnosis Brought Answers
Game Changer also reveals how many of Kildunne's struggles with eating, exercise and body image were closely linked to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
She was diagnosed with ADHD in 2024 and says the diagnosis finally helped explain many of the challenges she had faced throughout her life, bringing clarity and allowing her to better understand the behaviours that had shaped her career.
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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