Harlequins have confirmed that Red Roses fullback Ellie Kildunne has signed a new contract with the Club.
The 23-year-old began her rugby in West Yorkshire at Keighley RUFC and spent her inaugural Premier 15s season with Gloucester-Hartpury in 2017, before signing for Wasps in 2020. Kildunne joined Harlequins in 2021 and has made 23 appearances over two seasons for the Club. Kildunne’s reputation as a consistent try-scorer continued in 2022/23, picking up 14 tries in ten appearances for Quins.
Kildunne achieved her first Red Roses cap in 2017 against Canada aged just 18. Her impressive form in her first appearance earnt her a further five Red Roses starts in the 2018 Six Nations. In August 2018, she made the transition from 15s to 7s where she helped the England Women’s 7s team secure Great Britain’s qualification for the 2020 Olympics.
Since returning to 15s, Kildunne has amassed a total of 34 Red Roses caps, scoring more than 100 points and winning four Grand Slams.
Commenting on her signing, Kildunne said: “I’m excited to renew my contract with Quins and start another season in the Famous Quarters. We had our ups and downs last season but I can’t wait to see where this group can go. We’re building something really special and I’m excited to be a part of it.”
Harlequins Women Attack and Transition Coach Ross Chisholm, said: “Ellie is a phenomenal talent and we’re delighted she’s renewed with the Club. Her try-scoring form speaks for itself. There aren’t many players across our sport who are as dangerous with ball in hand as Ellie. We’re looking forward to seeing what she can do in a Quins shirt moving forward.”
Ellie’s announcement follows the re-signing of Red Roses fly-half Emily Scott, Scottish duo Jade Konkel and Sarah Bonar and talented backs Freya Aucken and Izzy Mayhew. The Club also confirmed the signing of Red Roses hooker Connie Powell from Gloucester-Hartpury.
Further announcements are due shortly which will continue to underline the Club’s plan to develop the strongest women’s rugby programme in the Northern Hemisphere.
With thanks to Harlequins
