Game Changer

Ellie Kildunne's journey began in Keighley, West Yorkshire, where, aged seven, she became the first girl in her school's 200-year history to play rugby. After honing her skills at Hartpury College and St Mary's University, she made her England debut in 2017, scoring a try against Canada.

Her versatility saw her transition to the England Sevens team in 2018, contributing to their qualification for the Tokyo Olympics. Returning to XVs, she played a pivotal role in England's Six Nations victories in 2020 and 2021 and was part of the squad that reached the Rugby World Cup final in 2022. In 2024 she was named World Rugby Women’s 15 Player of the Year. The following year she was a standout performer in the Red Roses’ victorious Women’s Rugby World Cup campaign.

At club level, she has represented Gloucester-Hartpury, Wasps, and currently plays for Harlequins Women.

Off the field, Kildunne is a vocal advocate for women's rugby, using her platform to inspire and empower the next generation of players.

She lives in Reading, and this is her first book.