Ellie Kildunne is one of the most electrifying talents in English women’s rugby. A full-back and wing known for blistering pace and fearless play, she was crowned World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year in 2024. Born in Keighley, West Yorkshire, she has risen from a girl playing in a boys’ club to the pinnacle of the sport.
At just 25 years old, Kildunne already has over 50 caps for the England Red Roses and an Olympic bronze medal. Her journey from rugby league to union, and from a local club to the international stage, reflects the rapid growth of women’s rugby in the UK.
This profile covers her biography, career achievements, personal life, and the questions that remain unanswered about the star athlete.
Who is Ellie Kildunne?
Key insights at a glance
- Ellie Kildunne is one of the most decorated English women’s rugby players, winning World Rugby Women’s Player of the Year in 2024.
- She was appointed MBE in 2025 for services to rugby.
- She started in rugby league before switching to rugby union at age 16.
- She competed at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, winning a bronze medal with Team GB.
- She has been the top try-scorer for the Red Roses and earned her 50th cap in March 2025.
- Her playing style is characterised by electric pace and remarkable versatility.
Snapshot facts
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Born | 8 September 1999 |
| Age | 25 |
| Height | 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) |
| Position | Full-back, wing |
| Club | Bristol Bears |
| National team | England (Red Roses) |
| Caps | Over 50 |
| Major awards | World Player of the Year 2024, Six Nations Grand Slam winner |
| Olympic medal | Bronze (Tokyo 2020, sevens) |
| MBE | Appointed 2025 |
What are Ellie Kildunne’s rugby career and achievements?
Early career and breakthrough
Kildunne began playing rugby at age 6 or 7, initially at a boys’ club where she was the only girl for years. She also played football, tennis, and athletics. At 12 she moved to a girls’ team, and by 15 she realised she could take rugby seriously after a big tournament. She turned professional in her teens and attended Hartpury College.
She made her senior debut for England in 2017, scoring her first try at age 18. Since then, she has become a mainstay in the Red Roses squad, known for her blistering pace and fearless style.
International honours and awards
In November 2024, Kildunne was named World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year at the World Rugby Awards in Monaco. That same year she was the top try-scorer for England. During the Six Nations, she won the fan-chosen Player of the Championship award and scored a hat-trick in nine minutes against Wales.
She earned her 50th cap in March 2025 and was appointed MBE for services to rugby. She also competed in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in the sevens format, winning a bronze medal with Team GB. In 2025 she was runner-up for BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
Kildunne’s hat-trick against Wales in the 2024 Six Nations came in just nine minutes – a demonstration of her explosive speed and finishing ability.
Playing style and versatility
Kildunne is described as one of the most electric talents in women’s rugby. She competes in both 15s and 7s, showing remarkable versatility. Her pace, fearless attacking, and ability to cover full-back and wing make her a constant threat.
Is Ellie Kildunne married or in a relationship?
As of the available public information, Ellie Kildunne has not confirmed a partner or relationship status. Searches and official profiles do not mention a spouse or significant other. She appears to keep her personal life private, focusing public attention on her rugby career.
Who are Ellie Kildunne’s parents and what is her ethnicity?
Kildunne has spoken about her mother, who has been a supportive figure. She recalled calling her mom before a high-pressure match. Specific details about her father or the names of her parents are not mentioned in available sources. Her ethnicity is not explicitly stated, though she is described as proudly from West Yorkshire. The question of whether she is mixed race remains unanswered in public records.
No official source confirms Ellie Kildunne’s ethnicity or the identity of her father. Her personal background is not widely documented beyond her Yorkshire roots.
Does Ellie Kildunne have a book or active social media?
A biography titled Ellie Kildunne Biography: The Inspirational True Story of a Fearless… has been listed on Amazon, chronicling her journey from Yorkshire to England Women’s Rugby. However, this is not an autobiography written by Kildunne herself. She maintains a verified Instagram account (@elliekildunne) where she shares career updates and personal moments.
What is Ellie Kildunne’s career timeline?
- 1999 – Born in Keighley, West Yorkshire
- 2015 – Switched from rugby league to union
- 2017 – Made England senior debut
- 2021 – Bronze medal at Tokyo Olympics (Team GB, sevens)
- 2023 – Key role in Grand Slam victory
- 2024 – Named World Rugby Women’s Player of the Year
- 2025 – Appointed MBE, BBC SPOTY runner-up, earned 50th cap
What is known and what remains unclear about Ellie Kildunne?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Birth date: 8 September 1999, Keighley, West Yorkshire | Relationship status or partner name |
| Career milestones: England debut 2017, over 50 caps, World Player of the Year 2024, MBE 2025 | Ethnicity or mixed-race background |
| Team affiliations: Red Roses, Bristol Bears, Team GB sevens | Father’s name or details about parents |
| Olympic bronze medal (Tokyo 2020) | Whether she has written an autobiography (none published by her) |
What does Ellie Kildunne’s career signify for women’s rugby?
Ellie Kildunne’s rapid rise reflects the growing professionalism of women’s rugby. Her athletic versatility – with a background in rugby league and Olympic sevens – sets her apart. The gap in public knowledge about her personal life aligns with her preference for privacy, while her public persona focuses on sport and advocacy. She has stated she aims to break the glass ceiling for younger girls, following in the footsteps of her childhood idol Jonny Wilkinson.
Where can I find reliable information about Ellie Kildunne?
The most authoritative sources include her Wikipedia page for biographical data, the England Rugby official profile for career stats, and BBC Sport for award coverage. World Rugby (world.rugby/news) confirmed her Player of the Year award. For personal updates, her verified Instagram account is the primary source.
“I want to be remembered as someone who broke the glass ceiling for younger girls.”
– Ellie Kildunne, in a 2021 interview with The RPA
What is the final takeaway?
Ellie Kildunne is a record-breaking English rugby star whose career is still unfolding. From her early days in Keighley to being named the world’s best in 2024, she embodies the rise of women’s rugby. While her personal life remains largely private, her professional achievements are well-documented and continue to inspire. For more profiles of elite English athletes, see Steph Houghton – Biography, Husband, Career and Net Worth and Jimmy Anderson – 704 Test Wickets, Retirement and 2025 Plans.
Frequently asked questions about Ellie Kildunne
How tall is Ellie Kildunne?
She is 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in).
What position does Ellie Kildunne play?
She primarily plays full-back or wing.
Has Ellie Kildunne won any major awards?
Yes, she was named World Rugby Women’s Player of the Year in 2024 and received an MBE in 2025.
Where did Ellie Kildunne grow up?
She grew up in Keighley, West Yorkshire, and attended the University of Gloucestershire.
Is Ellie Kildunne on Instagram?
Yes, her verified Instagram handle is @elliekildunne.
What is Ellie Kildunne’s net worth?
No verified public figure is available. Her earnings are not disclosed.
Did Ellie Kildunne play in the Olympics?
Yes, she competed in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in rugby sevens and won a bronze medal with Team GB.
When did Ellie Kildunne start playing rugby?
She started at age 6 or 7, playing with a boys’ team before switching to a girls’ team at 12.
Is Ellie Kildunne married?
No public information confirms a marriage or partner. She keeps her personal life private.
What is Ellie Kildunne’s full name?
Her full name is Ellie Tea Kildunne.
Daniel Mercer is Urban Affairs Editor at DailyCity.co.uk, covering councils, City Hall, planning, transport and infrastructure across London and major UK cities.