Ellie Kildunne Embraces New Chapter with Bristol Bears Ahead of 2026-27 Season
England full-back Ellie Kildunne has officially signed with Bristol Bears for the 2026-27 Premiership Women's Rugby season, following her departure from Harlequins after five years. The 26-year-old player expressed her relief and excitement about joining Bristol, stating it has brought her "comfort" amid uncertainty regarding her future. Kildunne reflected on her decision, saying, "I finally knew what I wanted to do... I couldn't be happier with the conversations that I had." The emotional moment during the call with Bristol's coaches deeply resonated with her mother, who felt it was the right move. A World Cup winner and former World Player of the Year, Kildunne has been pivotal in England's recent success, including their fifth consecutive Grand Slam victory at the Women's Six Nations, where she scored five tries across the tournament. With 62 caps and 48 tries to her name since debuting at 18, Kildunne is regarded as one of the sport's top talents. Her transition from Harlequins was initially met with mixed feelings, but Kildunne acknowledged that the time had come for a change, having considered a move to Bristol in the past. She praised Bristol's playing style and their track record of recruiting notable players, which influenced her decision. Kildunne is eager to collaborate with fellow England teammates, including Sarah Bern and Hannah Botterman, and highlighted her excitement about playing alongside rising star Millie David. She believes that the best of her rugby career is yet to come and is committed to furthering the growth of women's rugby while focusing on her performance.
Source: BBC Sport - 2026-06-19