Ellie Kildunne’s England future has been thrown into doubt after the Sports Personality of the Year runner-up refused to rule out a move to a controversial breakaway league.
The 26-year-old full-back was one of the standout stars of the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, scoring five tries as England claimed a third world title with a dominant 33–13 victory over Canada at Twickenham.
Fresh from being crowned World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year in 2024, the Yorkshire-born ace also made history off the pitch by becoming the first female rugby player to be shortlisted for BBC Sports Personality of the Year — eventually finishing runner-up to Rory McIlroy at the ceremony in Salford.
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SPOTY recognition
Despite missing out on the top prize, Kildunne’s second-place finish capped off a remarkable year and underlined her growing profile within British sport.
However, attention has quickly shifted back to rugby — and a potential storm brewing over her international future.
England future in doubt
Kildunne’s Red Roses career may now hang in the balance after she admitted she would be “open to anything” — including a move to a breakaway competition that would see her banned from international rugby.
The rebel R360 league, spearheaded by former England international and Royal Family member Mike Tindall, is scheduled to launch in 2028 and has already sent shockwaves through the game.
Reports claim more than 200 players have signed provisional agreements, with salaries of up to £740,000 per year on offer for a 16-match season.
Eight leading Test nations, including England, have warned that any player who signs for R360 will be barred from international duty.
‘Open to anything’
Kildunne is believed to be one of the league’s prime targets following her outstanding World Cup campaign.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, she said:
“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.”
She added:
“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.
This league is still something we don’t know too much about.”
Off-field rumours
Away from rugby, Kildunne has also been the subject of speculation surrounding her personal life.
She was previously in a relationship with Cameron Sommerville-Bailey, a director at Complete Renovations, and the pair attended the World Rugby Awards together in 2024.
However, rumours suggest the couple have since split, with Kildunne now believed to be single as she continues to enjoy the afterglow of World Cup success.
Neither has commented publicly, but Sommerville-Bailey was absent from the stands at the World Cup final, while Kildunne has recently removed a highlights tab featuring the couple from her Instagram.
Once regular fixtures on each other’s social media feeds, the pair have not posted together since February.
For now, Kildunne appears fully focused on her rugby and her rapidly growing profile off the pitch — even as questions continue to swirl around her England future.
Ellie Kildunne: 10 Things to Know About England’s star player
1. Early beginnings in Yorkshire
Ellie Kildunne was born on 8 September 1999 in Keighley, West Yorkshire, England. She began playing rugby at seven, initially in rugby league before switching to rugby union at nine. Her early dedication set the stage for her rapid rise in the sport.
2. Dual-code roots
Kildunne is a versatile player who has excelled in both rugby union and rugby sevens. She represented England in sevens between 2018 and 2020, and later played for Great Britain in 2024. This experience makes her adaptable across formats and tactical systems.
3. Club career trajectory
Began with Gloucester-Hartpury in 2017–2018.
Played for Wasps during the 2020–2021 season.
Since 2021, she has been a star at Harlequins Women.
4. International debut and rise
Ellie Kildunne made her England debut in 2017, scoring a try in her very first match against Canada. Since then, she has grown into a cornerstone of the Red Roses’ backline.
5. Standout 2024 campaign
In 2024, Ellie Kildunne enjoyed a career-defining season:
Top try scorer and top points scorer in the Women’s Six Nations.
Named Player of the Tournament in the 2024 Six Nations.
Awarded World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year in November 2024.
6. Playing style & strengths
Kildunne primarily plays fullback but can excel at centre. Her electric pace, elusive running, and attacking creativity make her one of the most dangerous players on the pitch.
7. 50-cap milestone & try scoring record
By early 2025, Ellie Kildunne was set to earn her 50th cap for England. She has already scored dozens of tries for her country, quickly rising through England’s try-scoring ranks.
8. Recent World Cup impact
In the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, Kildunne has been crucial to England’s campaign. Her standout moment came in the semi-final against France, where she scored two solo tries to secure England’s 35–17 victory.
9. Off the field: media, brand & personality
Off the pitch, Ellie Kildunne is a media personality and influencer, with her own podcast and brand partnerships. Her outspoken nature and authentic style have made her one of the most recognizable faces in women’s rugby.
10. Family business
Her brother Sam Kildunne is also an England Rugby Sevens international player.
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