The 2024 World Rugby women’s player of the year maintained her impressive form throughout last year, but missed the World Cup quarter-final victory over Scotland after sustaining a concussion in England’s final pool-stage win over Australia.<\/p>\n
Kildunne, who departed shortly after half-time, had struggled against the Wallaroos and made a number of uncharacteristic errors.<\/p>\n
She was recalled for the semi-final against France and scored twice – including another remarkable solo try – to banish any doubts over her form before the final.<\/p>\n
“I look back at moments in that World Cup, and I probably didn’t have my best game against Australia for quite a few reasons,” Kildunne said.<\/p>\n
“Then, obviously, I got concussed, which added the pressure back on. Am I going to get back? Am I getting back for a semi-final, or am I going to get back for a final? We needed to see how far we’d get in the tournament.<\/p>\n
“I don’t crumble under that pressure – I kind of rise to it, and that’s only because of the people around me.<\/p>\n
“That’s not something, yes, there is probably something genetically inside my brain and my heart that weirdly loves that type of thing.”<\/p>\n
Harlequins sit four points off the play-off spots in the Premiership Women’s Rugby table, with Kildunne rediscovering her drive for success.<\/p>\n
More than 70,000 tickets have been sold for the Red Roses’ opening Six Nations game against Ireland at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.<\/p>\n
Kildunne said it would be “very special” to return to represent England at the venue where she won the World Cup.<\/p>\n