Ellie Kildunne Opens Up About Post-World Cup Isolation and High Expectations
England full-back Ellie Kildunne has shared her feelings of isolation following an emotional dip after the Red Roses' Rugby World Cup victory. Kildunne, who shone in the tournament, scored a remarkable solo try in the final against Canada at the Allianz Stadium in September, which had an impressive attendance of 82,000 fans. However, just four weeks later, she found herself back in club action with Harlequins, playing in front of only 2,929 supporters at Twickenham Stoop against Loughborough Lightning. Kildunne expressed her feelings to BBC Sport, stating: "You are playing in front of a sold-out crowd at Allianz, you have just won a World Cup, and the next minute you are back playing over the road in front of a slither of the amount of people." The 26-year-old admitted experiencing a dip in motivation, questioning her purpose: High expectations: Kildunne noted her growing self-expectations, emphasizing that if she played at an 8/10, she felt as if she played at a 2/10. Loneliness: Transitioning from team bonding activities like playing Guitar Hero to living alone in Reading made her feel "really alone." Emotional journey: She acknowledged the natural ebb and flow of emotions post-peak and highlighted the importance of having someone to talk to. Kildunne concluded by reflecting on the value of her connections, emphasizing the need to stay focused and continuously strive for improvement.
Source: BBC Sport - 2026-04-08