In a moment that perfectly encapsulated the Red Roses’ spirited World Cup triumph, England’s head coach John Mitchell received an unexpected but heartfelt tribute from full-back Ellie Kildunne: a tattoo commemorating their victory.
Join the RUCK’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
While Mitchell “faded out” of the celebrations at about 1:30am, Hannah Botterman and captain Zoe Aldcroft — who revealed she had not had a drink for 13 months and two days prior to Saturday night — kept going until 6:30am.
The celebrations resumed later at a ‘Champions Party’ for fans at a wet Battersea Power Station.
England women’s head coach John Mitchell says he is open to taking charge of the first women’s British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand in 2027.
His side beat Canada 33-13 on Saturday to win a first Women’s Rugby World Cup since 2014, in front of a record women’s crowd of 81,885 at Twickenham.
The 61-year-old’s England contract runs until 30 June 2026, and he is yet to confirm whether he would like to stay on after that date.
When asked about the prospect of coaching the women’s Lions for their historic tour of his homeland, Mitchell told BBC’s Rugby Union Weekly:
“The Lions is a huge honour and it is the first women’s Lions. I remember at school meeting the 1977 Lions in assembly. They have always been a part of my life. If that opportunity did come along then it would definitely be something I would consider. I just want to make sure I get the foundations of the next World Cup cycle in place.”
EDITORS PICKS:
Meet the partners cheering on England during Rugby World Cup final
Taking on a Rugby World Cup is no easy task—especially when it’s on your home turf, in front of the roars of England’s faithful. That’s the challenge the Red Roses are facing as they prepare for the World Cup final against Canada this weekend.
But while the spotlight shines on the pitch, there’s another source of strength driving these athletes forward: the unwavering support of their partners. Behind every scrum, sprint, and soaring victory, there’s a network of love, encouragement, and sacrifice.
So, before the final whistle blows, let’s meet the squad behind the squad—the partners who stand firmly in the Roses’ corner.
Ellie Kildunne & Cameron Sommerville-Bailey
Star fullback Ellie Kildunne has long been one of England’s most exciting rugby talents—and her personal life has drawn interest too. She has been in a relationship with Cameron Sommerville-Bailey, a director at Complete Renovations, with the pair previously attending the World Rugby Awards together in 2024.
Recently, fans have noticed fewer pictures of the couple on social media, sparking speculation about whether their relationship has shifted. While some whispers suggest a split, others believe they remain together but are simply keeping things more private as Ellie’s profile rises on the mainstream stage. Neither has commented publicly.
For now, Ellie seems fully focused on her rugby—lighting up the pitch with her trademark flair as she looks to play a starring role in England’s World Cup campaign.
Jess Breach & Archie White
There’s not much public detail about their relationship, but the headlines say it all: Jess Breach shares life with former Harlequins flanker Archie White, who created headlines by stepping away from the game last summer at just 27.
A bold pivot, and no doubt a steadying presence in Jess’s corner.
Like this:
Like Loading…