Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News
4 minutes read. Updated 6:10PM GMT Thurs, 22August, 2024

In a bold declaration of her dedication, full-back Ellie Kildunne has pledged to “fight for her shirt” and focus on England’s ambitious bid to clinch the Rugby World Cup on home soil in 2025. Kildunne, who was a key player for the Great Britain women’s sevens team that secured a commendable seventh place at the Paris Olympics, has shifted her attention back to the Red Roses as preparations intensify for next year’s World Cup.
As of August 22, with just a year remaining before the tournament kicks off, Kildunne, aged 24, remains open to the possibility of transitioning to different rugby codes. However, she is adamant that her focus will remain firmly on the XV-a-side game until after the World Cup concludes. “This is about 15s now as we head towards a World Cup, and who knows after that,” Kildunne told BBC Sport. “I don’t want to be someone that’s in and out. It’s really important to be part of the squad.”
Kildunne, who was named this year’s Women’s Six Nations player of the tournament, rejoined the England camp with remarkable speed, returning less than two weeks after the final day of sevens in Paris. “As soon as that last whistle went, I went back into the changing room and I wanted to go again,” she reflected.
Looking ahead, the Red Roses have a rigorous schedule leading up to the World Cup, including high-profile warm-up matches against France and New Zealand in September. The game against the reigning world champions, New Zealand, on September 14 will take place at Twickenham, which will temporarily be renamed Allianz Stadium for the occasion.
Kildunne, who was part of the England team that fell short against New Zealand in the 2022 final, is brimming with anticipation. “This could be the World Cup final,” she said. “There’s a lot of excitement going into it.”
For more updates on England’s Rugby World Cup preparations, visit the BBC Sport website.