Red Roses superstar Ellie Kildunne nominated for BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award

The 26-year-old fullback, already crowned World Player of the Year, has enjoyed a remarkable 12 months, lighting up the Women’s Six Nations and the World Cup with her trademark flair, footwork and infectious personality. She is also the first English rugby player to be nominated since Jason Robinson and Jonny Wilkinson in 2007.

Kildunne has become one of the most recognisable faces in women’s sport, thanks not only to her world-class performances, but also her fan-favourite “lasso” celebration that has inspired thousands of supporters to don Red Roses cowgirl hats. Even Barbie honoured her rise with a custom one-of-a-kind doll designed to inspire the next generation of girls in sport.

On the pitch, her influence has been undeniable. She scored a hat-trick on her 50th cap as England secured a seventh straight Six Nations title, before starring throughout the home World Cup. Kildunne touched down twice in the opener against the USA, delivered two decisive tries in the semi-final against France, and crossed again in the final as the Red Roses beat Canada to win their first world title since 2014 in front of a record 81,885 fans at the Allianz Stadium.

“It’s a great privilege to be shortlisted,” Kildunne said. “Winning the World Cup with your best mates is a feeling I can’t really describe… The support from the fans has been incredible. The cowboy hats, the messages, the handwritten letters – it’s why I love this sport.”

The 2025 BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony will be broadcast live on BBC One and iPlayer on Thursday 18 December from 7pm. Voting for the main award opens during the show at bbc.co.uk/spoty.