England star Ellie Kildunne opens up on 'relieving' diagnosis ahead of World Cup

Tuesday, 16 September 2025 at 13:46

byRugby Rucker

England will be boosted by the return of Ellie Kildunne for their Women’s World Cup semi-final against Scotland, after the star full-back missed the quarter-final through concussion.

The tournament’s standout performer has not only been in dazzling form on the pitch but has also been opening up off it, revealing in an interview with
GQ
that she was diagnosed with ADHD earlier this year.

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Kildunne explained that the diagnosis came after struggling with sleep and feeling frustrated when she couldn’t always articulate what she saw on the pitch.

"Earlier this year because I was struggling to sleep at times. My brain was working really fast or I wasn’t quite able to verbalise something that I'd seen on the pitch so I was frustrated with myself," she said. "Since then, I just feel this level of feeling understood. Once you understand yourself, you can feel more comfortable in your skin rather than asking questions all the time of why is this this?"

The 25-year-old has found new ways to manage her energy and creativity during the pressures of a World Cup.

"Since I've understood my ADHD, I've been able to slow down a little bit in my head. Rather than using my phone, I've got a notebook for everything. One for outfit ideas, I've got my to-do list, which is like my brain. I've got my World Cup book with all our moves and now I've got what I call a blurt book, so anything that's heavy on me, it goes in there and is out in my head. I remember someone saying a lot of people write down to remember and some people write down to forget."

Kildunne says her ADHD has always been part of what makes her the unpredictable, fearless player she is — both a challenge and a gift.

"I had a conversation with mum and dad about it. They said it's you, you're creative, you're crazy, you go from one thing to another, and that's what's made you," she recalled. "Like why have I just gone to Hobbycraft and bought 20 kilos of clay?

"Because I had this idea that I wanted to start making jewellery pots for everybody. I had a thought at 2:00am that I needed a keyboard to learn a particular Noah Kahan song. So I went on Facebook Marketplace and by eight o'clock I'd come home with one."

For England, her return could not come at a better time. With a place in the World Cup final at stake, Kildunne’s creativity and electric running lines will be central to their hopes — and if, as she says, she now feels like her “true self”, that could be a daunting prospect for Scotland.

5 Women’s Rugby Stars You Need to Follow During the 2025 World Cup

Here are the top 5 women’s rugby players you need to follow on social media this year, ranked from 5 to 1.

5. Hollie Aitchinson (England) – 57.3K Followers

Instagram: @hollieaitchinson | TikTok: @hollyaitchison_

Hollie Aitchinson combines elite rugby talent with a high-profile modeling career, including work for Victoria’s Secret.

Her Instagram captures training sessions, match-day prep, and stylish lifestyle content, while her TikTok shows her playful side off the pitch. Hollie’s mix of athleticism, charm, and modeling presence makes her a standout in both the rugby and fashion worlds.

4. Ellie Kildunne (England) – 104.6K Followers

Instagram: @elliekildunne | TikTok: @elliekildunne

England’s electric fullback, Ellie Kildunne, brings the same energy off the pitch as on it. Her Instagram reels showcase slick training sessions, match highlights, and creative moments with teammates.

On TikTok, she jumps into trends and shares behind-the-scenes glimpses, giving fans a closer look at life with the Red Roses squad. Ellie’s content balances professionalism and personality, making her a must-follow for fans who love flair both on and off the field.

3. Erica Jarrell-Searcy (USA) – 142K Followers

Instagram: @rick_jarrell.searcy | TikTok: @its_richarddd

Smart, driven, and engaging, Erica Jarrell-Searcy combines elite athleticism with academic achievement.

Her Instagram gives fans a peek into her life balancing professional rugby and her studies in Molecular and Cellular Biology at Harvard.

On TikTok, she shows a playful side, sharing fun clips with teammates and behind-the-scenes moments. Erica’s social presence is perfect for fans who appreciate authenticity, grit, and personality beyond the pitch.

2. Katelyn Vahaakolo (New Zealand) – 421K Followers

Instagram: @katelynvahaakolo | TikTok: @claryjeans

Katelyn Vahaakolo is making waves both in rugby league and union, but her social media presence sets her apart.

Her Instagram shares training routines, personal reflections, and cultural highlights, while her TikTok brings humour and lighthearted content into the mix.

With over 400K followers combined, Katelyn connects with fans through her honesty, charm, and vibrant personality.

1. Ilona Maher (USA) – 8.8M Followers

Instagram: @ilonamaher | TikTok: @ilonamaher

Ilona Maher is the undisputed queen of rugby social media. With over 8.8 million combined followers, she captures hearts with her playful, body-positive, and charismatic online presence.

From Tokyo 2021 to Paris 2024, Ilona has shared everything from locker room banter to emotional sideline moments. Fans love her unfiltered, hilarious, and inspiring content, making her a global ambassador for women’s rugby.