England rugby union superstar Ellie Kildunne still wakes up every morning with her World Cup winner's medal beside her bed, a daily reminder of glory achieved and the future she is determined to shape.
The Freak of Nature on the Pitch
Fresh from being crowned World Rugby Women's 15s Player of the Year in 2024, the Harlequins full-back reflects on a victory that has yet to fully sink in. The medal, she says, is not just a trophy but a motivator. "Your heart's telling you that you've done it, but I need to refocus," Kildunne explains, her sights set on winning more Six Nations titles, Premierships, and future World Cups.
On the field, Kildunne is described as a "freak of nature" by her head coach, a label she embraces. Possessing a rare combination of blistering speed and extraordinary stamina, she plays with an instinctive, unpredictable flair. Her legendary try in the World Cup final against Canada, where she evaded seven defenders in a 30-yard solo run, drew comparisons to Diego Maradona's iconic 1986 football goal.
Her joyful cowboy dance celebration with teammates Meg Jones and Jess Breach became a viral sensation, symbolising the fun and audacity she brings to the game. This confidence sometimes spills over into on-field chatter, though Kildunne is keen to distinguish self-belief from arrogance. "I'm sure people think I'm arrogant, but I'm not big-headed," she states.
Chaos, Creativity and the 'Red Apple'
Away from rugby, Kildunne's life is, in her own words, "chaos". Recently diagnosed with ADHD, she explains a relentless energy that fuels both her career and a whirlwind of creative pursuits. "I'll go to bed and I can't go to sleep, because I'm thinking I want to change my room around... so I have to get up and do it," she says.
This hyper-focus manifests in a series of passionate, if sometimes fleeting, hobbies:
- Photography: She owns multiple professional cameras and often plays the role of unofficial event photographer.
- DIY Tattooing: After buying a £30 tattoo gun online, she has inked herself, several Red Roses teammates, and even gave head coach John Mitchell his first tattoo.
- Musical Endeavours: She has acquired guitars, a keyboard, and a drum kit in bursts of inspiration, though she readily admits she cannot play them.
This eccentricity and self-assurance were forged early. Growing up on a remote West Yorkshire farm, she was the only girl playing rugby and football with boys. "I knew I was different. And I don't think that's a bad feeling. It's cool to be different," she says, recalling a childhood analogy: "If you go to a farmers' market... you think about the red apple. I'm that red apple."
Driving the Golden Age of Women's Sport
Kildunne's career trajectory mirrors the rapid growth of women's rugby. At 16, she moved to Gloucester against her parents' wishes to join Gloucester-Hartpury. She made her England debut in 2017 against Canada, scoring a try, and has now earned 57 caps with 235 points.
Financially, the landscape is transforming. While she once revealed top players earned £40,000-£50,000 from all sources, she confirms it is "way better now", with income from England, Harlequins, Premiership Women's Rugby, and commercial deals. Yet for Kildunne, the mission is bigger than salary. "This is the golden age of women's sport. I truly believe that," she asserts, pointing to the Lionesses' Euros win and sold-out crowds at Twickenham.
She is also a proud advocate for changing body ideals in sport, celebrating her muscular physique as the engine of her success. "My body is what's made me an Olympian and a world champion... Now, the younger generation has Ellie Kildunne to look up to," she says, referencing herself in the third person with characteristic boldness.
As she rushes off to training, Kildunne leaves no doubt that this is only the beginning. "I don't see this World Cup as the pinnacle... We've got the ball rolling, and it will take us into places we've never been before." For this unique, chaotic, and supremely gifted athlete, the ride is just getting started.
