Ellie Kildunne is the reigning Guinness Women’s Six Nations Player of the Championship, as well as World Rugby’s Women’s 15s Player of the Year after enjoying a stellar year for the Red Roses

Ellie Kildunne knows she enters 2025 with a target on her back but the full-back would not have it any other way. The 25-year-old is the reigning Guinness Women’s Six Nations Player of the Championship, as well as World Rugby’s Women’s 15s Player of the Year after enjoying a stellar year for the Red Roses.

The expectations are sky high for more success as England prepare for their Guinness Women’s Six Nations opener against Italy in York on Sunday in what could be a transformative year for women’s rugby. And while Kildunne knows the individual accolades she has received will not have gone unnoticed; it is a status she is embracing.

“2024 was not just a successful year for the team I play in but personally I was recognised and given awards that probably still haven’t sunk in yet,” said Kildunne, speaking at Allianz Stadium, where the Red Roses will host France in the final game of the Guinness Women’s Six Nations.

“Six Nations Player of the Championship and World Player of the Year sounds very cool but…