England’s Ellie Kildunne opens up about her biggest 'rugby ick'
Rugby NewsTuesday, 26 May 2026 at 19:56
Ellie Kildunne was simply unplayable as England stormed to the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, further cementing her reputation as one of rugby’s brightest talents.
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Her explosive pace, sharp vision, and instinctive playmaking were pivotal to the Red Roses’ historic triumph, and her performances have captured the imagination of fans across the globe.
Kildunne’s journey to the pinnacle of women’s rugby has been defined by determination. From grassroots rugby as a young girl to becoming a central figure in England’s national side, her rise reflects not only immense talent but also resilience and hard work.
Known for her creativity on the pitch, Ellie has become a player who blends instinct with tactical precision — a combination that makes her unforgettable to both teammates and fans.
Off the pitch, Ellie’s personality is just as engaging as her rugby. Her candid and approachable style has made her a fan favourite, but there’s one surprising detail she recently revealed about her rugby life — something she describes as her “ick.” When asked what she can’t stand in training, Ellie laughed and said: “Wearing long socks for training.”
While it might sound trivial, it gives fans a glimpse into the human side of elite rugby — the quirks and little things that make even champions relatable. For Ellie, her success has always been built on embracing the highs and working through the little annoyances along the way.
Ellie Kildunne: 10 Things to Know About England’s Six Nations star
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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
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:
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.
England’s Red Roses Partners Revealed Ahead of Six Nations Grand Slam Decider
Zoe Aldcroft & Luke Stratford
World Cup-winning captain Zoe Aldcroft shares a heartwarming rugby romance with her husband, Luke Stratford. The pair first met outside a nightclub in Gloucester, but their relationship truly blossomed when Luke cleverly booked physio sessions at the same time as Zoe before they officially got together.
The couple tied the knot in June 2024 at Hackness Grange in Scarborough. Zoe shared snaps of their special day on Instagram, captioning the post: “The best day of my life with the absolute love of my life.”
Their bond is strengthened by a shared love of rugby. Luke currently serves as the Women’s Scrum Coach at Sale Sharks, having previously coached Leicester Tigers Women.
Although Aldcroft was named England captain earlier in the year, she will miss the 2026 Six Nations as the couple prepare to welcome their first child. Speaking on the England Rugby Podcast: O2 Inside Line, she revealed that Luke was one of the first people she called after learning of her captaincy.
Hannah Botterman & Georgia Evans
Loosehead prop Hannah Botterman has found love across the Severn Bridge with Wales international Georgia Evans. Following her reported split from fellow Red Roses star Holly Aitchison, fans began speculating about the relationship after Evans was spotted supporting England during the recent tournament—most notably wearing a Red Roses shirt during the final.
The rumours have since been confirmed, with the cross-border couple now officially an item, proving that rugby rivalries stop at the touchline.
Ellie Kildunne
England’s electric full-back Ellie Kildunne is currently embracing the single life after confirming her split from long-term partner Cameron Sommerville-Bailey just before the Six Nations.
The pair had been together for around five years, and Kildunne described the separation as amicable, explaining that she “still loves him to pieces,” even joking that cleaning her boots was “his love language.”
When asked whether there was someone new in her life, Kildunne was quick to shut down speculation, replying: “No, there is not.” For now, the Red Roses star is focusing fully on her flourishing rugby career as she heads into another Six Nations campaign.
Celia Quansah & Meg Jones
Few love stories in rugby are as inspiring as that of Celia Quansah and Meg Jones. The pair met at Loughborough University, where Quansah transitioned from athletics to rugby, and their friendship soon blossomed into romance.
Jones admitted in an interview with Team GB that it wasn’t exactly love at first sight: “I actually didn’t really fancy Celia. As I got to know her, she was so kind, empathetic and compassionate… The more we spoke, the more I started to fancy her and love her more. We realised we are soulmates.”
Together, they have enjoyed glittering careers in rugby sevens, representing Great Britain at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and playing club rugby for Wasps, making them one of the sport’s true power couples.
Jess Breach & Archie White
Saracens winger Jess Breach has been in a long-term relationship with Harlequins forward Archie White for more than five years.
The rugby duo have supported each other through the highs and lows of elite sport, including navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking to Talking Rugby Union, Breach explained: “We isolated together when bubbles were introduced last year, but it made us stronger and I think the dedication we have in rugby as players can reflect a lot of other things such as a relationship.”
The pair are frequently seen cheering each other on from the sidelines, embodying the true spirit of rugby partnership.
Marlie Packer & Rosie Galligan
England stars Marlie Packer and Rosie Galligan are not only teammates but also partners in life.
The couple recently got engaged during a romantic lakeside picnic, with Galligan sharing the moment on Instagram and captioning it: “The easiest yes in the world. Forever and always.”
Packer is already a proud mother to her son, Oliver, from a previous relationship, and Galligan has embraced family life seamlessly.
Adding to the excitement, the couple are now expecting their first child together, marking a joyful new chapter for the Red Roses pair.
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