(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
World Player of the Year Ellie Kildunne Aims to Inspire Fans at Women’s Rugby World Cup
England full-back Ellie Kildunne, recently crowned World Player of the Year, is looking to follow in the footsteps of football star Chloe Kelly by becoming a household name during the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
The Harlequins star is confident ahead of England’s campaign on home soil and hopes her performances will see her name on fans’ shirts, just as Kelly’s exploits helped propel the Lionesses into global fame.
Kelly’s iconic winning goal in the Euro 2022 final and her starring role in the Euro 2025 victory in Switzerland have inspired Kildunne, who told the PA news agency:
“The Euros have shown what’s possible for women’s sport. With this World Cup, we have the chance for Kildunne shirts to be sold on the streets and for young fans to have posters of players like Emily Scarratt and Meg Jones on their walls.”
England open their World Cup campaign on August 22 against the United States in Sunderland and will also face Samoa and Australia in Pool A. As the world’s top-ranked team and tournament favorites, the Red Roses have already won the last seven Six Nations titles.
Kildunne draws inspiration from the resilience of Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses, who came from behind in each of their knockout matches this summer.
“As the Red Roses, we know it won’t be straightforward. We’ll need to work hard, fight for every point, and embrace the spotlight,” she said.
The 25-year-old winger enjoyed a standout 2024 season, scoring 14 tries in nine Tests, cementing her status as a poster girl for the tournament. She welcomes the pressure that comes with increased attention:
“Pressure is a privilege. I use it to challenge myself and exceed expectations. I’m feeling the most confident I’ve ever felt, so I’m ready and raring to go.”
Kildunne also reflected on the heartbreak of the 2022 World Cup final, where England lost to New Zealand 34-31, saying:
“That disappointment reignited a fire in me. We’ve learned so much and built our culture. This isn’t about revenge – it’s about rewriting our story.”
With the World Cup set to kick off, Ellie Kildunne is determined to make her mark and help elevate women’s rugby to new heights, inspiring a generation of fans across the UK and beyond.
