England star Ellie Kildunne has revealed the emotional moment she knew Bristol Bears was the right move, after confirming her switch from Harlequins ahead of the 2026/27 season.
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The 26-year-old full-back announced her departure from Harlequins last month, bringing an end to a successful five-year spell in West London. At the time, Kildunne admitted she was unsure where she would be playing her club rugby next season.
Now, the reigning World Player of the Year has put an end to the speculation by signing for Premiership Women’s Rugby rivals Bristol Bears.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Kildunne admitted the past few months had been uncertain as she weighed up her options, but said joining Bristol immediately felt like the right decision.
“I finally knew what I wanted to do,” Kildunne said.
“I needed to have the right conversations and make sure it’s the right club for me, and I couldn’t be happier with the conversations that I had.
“I knew straight away that it was right for me.”
ELLIE KILDUNNE FACTS:
1. Early beginnings in Yorkshire
Ellie Kildunne was born on 8 September 1999 in Keighley, West Yorkshire, England. She began playing rugby at seven, initially in rugby league before switching to rugby union at nine. Her early dedication set the stage for her rapid rise in the sport.
2. Dual-code roots
Kildunne is a versatile player who has excelled in both rugby union and rugby sevens. She represented England in sevens between 2018 and 2020, and later played for Great Britain in 2024. This experience makes her adaptable across formats and tactical systems.
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3. Club career trajectory
- Began with Gloucester-Hartpury in 2017–2018.
- Played for Wasps during the 2020–2021 season.
- Since 2021, she has been a star at Harlequins Women.
- 2025 left to sign with Bristol bears
