Written by Matt Brown
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End of a Chapter for England’s Ellie
In shock news, Harlequins Women have announced that World Cup-winning Red Roses star Ellie Kildunne will be leaving the London club at the end of the season. This concludes a five-year stint in the quarters for Kildunne, who signed from Wasps back in 2021.
Kildunne, 26, posted a statement on her social media channels confirming the news, but she has yet to reveal where she will be playing next season. The 2024 World Rugby Women's Player of the Year is unlikely to be short of offers ahead of the new campaign, but predicting her next destination remains difficult.
Potential Suitors Across the PWR
Being from West Yorkshire, Sale Sharks seem like an obvious choice. However, the Manchester-based side has already spent big on Kildunne’s England teammates Zoe Stratford, Sarah Beckett, and Tatyana Heard, alongside already having the likes of Amy Cokayne on their books.
Bristol Bears are another team who could be in with a strong chance of signing the England fullback. The Bears are keen to recruit players with massive marketability—having previously hosted American superstar Ilona Maher—but on the field, they’ve struggled this year, finishing just above bottom-placed Leicester Tigers.
Kildunne spoke to England colleague Jess Breach on their podcast, Rugby Rodeo, regarding the announcement. It would be fascinating to see the two link up at Breach’s club, Saracens, though the north London side does tend to use Breach heavily in the back three, which might complicate how they line up.
Gloucester-Hartpury have won the PWR title three times in a row and are just two games away from a fourth consecutive trophy—silverware Kildunne is yet to lift. However, "The Circus" has recently extended the contract of their star fullback, Emma Sing, making a move there less likely.
Ealing Trailfinders have secured a playoff spot this season and would represent a highly convenient move for Kildunne, as they play mere miles away from Twickenham. It would also see her link up with England star Meg Jones. Meanwhile, Exeter Chiefs potentially have space in their squad, but a move southwest feels unlikely to materialize. It is even less likely that the 60+ capped Red Rose will find herself donning the colours of Leicester Tigers next season.
Why the Sudden Departure?
But why is Ellie Kildunne leaving Harlequins after half a decade?
No one seems to truly know, including Kildunne herself. Rumours are circulating that relationships between Kildunne and the coaching staff became strained after she arrived late for team meetings, among other disciplinary issues. It seems Kildunne is simply the latest high-profile Red Rose to depart The Stoop, following in the footsteps of Jess Breach.
Crucially, Kildunne—who has spoken openly about her ADHD diagnosis—has stated that the most important factor in her next move is finding a club environment where she can truly be her authentic self.
A Leap into the Unknown
Wherever Kildunne decides to land, her departure leaves a massive, star-shaped void at the heart of Harlequins. For a player who creates magic every time she touches the ball, the choice won't just be about money or geography—it will be about finding a home that embraces her unique brilliance both on and off the field.
The PWR landscape is shifting rapidly, and Kildunne holds all the cards. Fans and clubs alike will be holding their breath because, while it's the end of a memorable chapter in south-west London, the next phase of Kildunne’s career promises to be an absolute blockbuster.
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