Ellie Kildunne, a luminary in the rugby world, is set to part ways with Harlequins after a notable tenure. Joining the southwest London club in 2021, Kildunne quickly became a standout figure in the sport. Her international career has been stellar, with triumphs including the 2025 World Cup win, the 2025 World Rugby Player of the Year award, and a runner-up finish in the 2025 Sport Personality of the Year. Despite these accolades, her journey at Harlequins has been mixed, with the team often landing mid-table finishes, though they reached the PWR Cup final in 2025, where they were bested by Saracens 43-33.
Kildunne's decision to leave Harlequins was influenced by her desire for an environment where she could "be unapologetically myself." This sentiment was echoed in her heartfelt statement, "I’ve always tried to be the best player I can be, giving everything I have every time I step onto the pitch. For me, that’s always been about being in the right environment – one where I can be unapologetically myself and work with those who truly value each individual and what they bring to the team."
"I can be unapologetically myself"
Reports suggest that a strained relationship with head coach Ross Chisholm, exacerbated by timekeeping issues and prioritizing commercial engagements over team activities, contributed to the rift. These challenges are particularly poignant given Kildunne’s openness about her ADHD diagnosis, which she discussed earlier in the year with Women’s Health, noting it caused her to get "overstimulated and not being able to focus." She emphasized that her disclosure was not for excuses but to "put some systems in place to improve and get better."
Former Harlequins men’s player Mike Brown also shared his grievances, hinting at internal conflicts within the club: "There are certain individuals who are still there that mean I’ve not got a relationship with that great club. It feels I’ve kind of been blacklisted, which is a shame."
As for Kildunne's next chapter, under a central contract with the Rugby Football Union, she remains a coveted player. Her roots in the north of England shine brightly, yet it appears more likely she will stay near London, with Trailfinders Women poised as a potential new home. Meanwhile, her former club, Gloucester-Hartpury, continues to excel, having clinched their third consecutive Premiership Women’s Rugby title in 2025, and boasting a core of England internationals, potentially setting the stage for a prodigal return.
Wherever Kildunne lands, her future team will inherit not just a player of exceptional skill but one with an undeniable spirit and drive to excel in the right environment.