England full-back and World Cup winner Ellie Kildunne says she’s “open to anything” when it comes to the proposed R360 league.
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“It doesn’t mean I’d take it, but I’d like to understand the league a bit more to see if it’s an opportunity I’d like to take,” Kildunne told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.
Speaking at Bracknell Rugby Club during the launch of the RFU’s Rugby Fest weekend, the 26-year-old stressed her focus remains firmly on her current club season with Harlequins.
The Red Roses’ tour of clubs nationwide coincides with persistent rumours about the future of men’s and women’s club rugby, with R360 dominating the headlines. The Daily Telegraph article reporting Kildunne as a top R360 target is now two weeks old, noting that a “significant number” of her England teammates have reportedly signed pre-contract agreements.
Kildunne, contracted to Premiership Women’s Rugby side Harlequins, opens the league season on Friday, 24 October against Loughborough Lightning at the Twickenham Stoop.
“I’m just focused on the Harlequins season I’ve got. This week has been absolutely crazy, so I can’t look too far ahead – I don’t even know what I’m having for dinner tonight,” she said.
“There’s going to be lots of investment into the game now, lots of changes that people will see, and I think that’s the direction rugby needs to go. We’ve made something happen, and that’s going to come with talking points and debates. This league (R360) is still something we don’t know too much about.”
Crucially, the RFU has confirmed that players who sign for R360 would not be eligible to play for England, meaning Kildunne’s international career would effectively be on hold if she joined the breakaway league.
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Ellie Kildunne named on six-strong Sports Personality of the Year shortlist
The BBC Sports Personality of the Year (SPOTY) is all about celebrating British sporting brilliance — the athletes who’ve not only dominated their fields but captured the hearts of the nation along the way.
With the 2025 ceremony fast approaching, the competition is wide open and the names in contention are nothing short of elite.
BBC Sports Personality of the Year (Latest Odds)
6. Luke Littler – Darts
Odds: 50/1. At just 17 years old, Littler became the youngest darts world champion in history, defeating Michael van Gerwen in the 2025 World Championship final.
His breakthrough has made him a rising star in the sport, though darts has a smaller SPOTY audience compared to football or rugby, placing him lower in the rankings.
5. Hannah Hampton – Football (England & Aston Villa)
Odds: 25/1. Hampton played a crucial role in England’s UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 triumph, saving two penalties in the final against Spain.
Her heroics in goal were vital to England’s success, but goalkeepers often receive less recognition than high-profile goal-scorers, keeping her further down the list.
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