In a dazzling showdown at the 2025 BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards, Ellie Kildunne, England's rugby sensation, clinched the runner-up spot. The Harlequins and England full-back, who was pivotal in her team’s World Cup victory earlier in the year, edged out fierce competition from football stars Chloe Kelly and Hannah Hampton, racing prodigy Lando Norris, and darts up-and-comer Luke Littler. Golf legend Rory McIlroy eventually walked away with the top honor.
Kildunne's achievement marked a historic moment, as she became the first English women's rugby player to be nominated for this prestigious award, and the first rugby player to make the list since Jonny Wilkinson and Jason Robinson in 2007. Her performance at the World Cup was nothing short of stellar, netting five tries and two assists in just four matches, continuing her explosive form into the domestic league with four tries for the Quins.
"I think the impact that the whole team and the whole World Cup has had, not just on women's rugby but women's sport, has been more than we could have imagined. It’s something you dream of but never see yourself in that position."
Kildunne's influence stretches beyond the pitch, as she became one of the iconic faces of the World Cup and was immortalized with a Barbie doll in her likeness. Despite the Red Roses' squad missing out on the Team of the Year award to Team Europe after their Ryder Cup triumph, Kildunne's personal accolades and the visibility she brought to women's rugby this year have been groundbreaking.
"I want to thank everyone who came to the World Cup and made it so special. It’s one that will go down in history and lead the way," added Kildunne, reflecting on the tournament's success and its broader impact.
As the rugby world turns its eyes towards what’s next, players like Kildunne continue to elevate the game and set new benchmarks, not just in women's rugby, but in sports culture at large.
2,193 posts
In a dazzling showdown at the 2025 BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards, Ellie Kildunne, England's rugby sensation, clinched the runner-up spot. The Harlequins and England full-back, who was pivotal in her team’s World Cup victory earlier in the year, edged out fierce competition from football stars Chloe Kelly and Hannah Hampton, racing prodigy Lando Norris, and darts up-and-comer Luke Littler. Golf legend Rory McIlroy eventually walked away with the top honor.
Kildunne's achievement marked a historic moment, as she became the first English women's rugby player to be nominated for this prestigious award, and the first rugby player to make the list since Jonny Wilkinson and Jason Robinson in 2007. Her performance at the World Cup was nothing short of stellar, netting five tries and two assists in just four matches, continuing her explosive form into the domestic league with four tries for the Quins.
"I think the impact that the whole team and the whole World Cup has had, not just on women's rugby but women's sport, has been more than we could have imagined. It’s something you dream of but never see yourself in that position."
Kildunne's influence stretches beyond the pitch, as she became one of the iconic faces of the World Cup and was immortalized with a Barbie doll in her likeness. Despite the Red Roses' squad missing out on the Team of the Year award to Team Europe after their Ryder Cup triumph, Kildunne's personal accolades and the visibility she brought to women's rugby this year have been groundbreaking.
"I want to thank everyone who came to the World Cup and made it so special. It’s one that will go down in history and lead the way," added Kildunne, reflecting on the tournament's success and its broader impact.
As the rugby world turns its eyes towards what’s next, players like Kildunne continue to elevate the game and set new benchmarks, not just in women's rugby, but in sports culture at large.