October 7, 2024
England’s Ellie Kildunne aims for 2025 World Cup glory after Olympic appearance

England’s Ellie Kildunne aims for 2025 World Cup glory after Olympic appearance

England's Ellie Kildunne has been named the 2024 Six Nations Player of the Year (Gareth Fuller/PA) (PA Wire)

England’s Ellie Kildunne has been named the 2024 Six Nations Player of the Year (Gareth Fuller/PA) (PA Wire)

England full-back Ellie Kildunne has insisted she will focus on preparing for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup after representing Team GB’s rugby sevens team at the Paris Olympics.

The 24-year-old is training again with Harlequins and the Red Roses ahead of the highly anticipated World Cup in a year’s time.

Kildunne returned to John Mitchell’s squad ahead of the WXV tournament this autumn as she prepares to shine on home soil next summer.

“It’s about 15 seconds that we’re heading into a World Cup and who knows after that,” she said. BBC Sportt.

“I don’t want to be someone who comes in and goes out. It’s really important to be part of the team.”

Kildunne was named player of the tournament following the Women’s Six Nations earlier this year after helping Mitchell’s side win another grand slam.

England will face New Zealand at Twickenham in September in a warm-up match that could provide a taste of what’s to come next year.

“This could be the World Cup final,” Kildunne said. “There’s a lot of excitement around this game.”

Ellie Kildunne scored a hat-trick as England beat Ireland in the Six Nations (PA Wire)Ellie Kildunne scored a hat-trick as England beat Ireland in the Six Nations (PA Wire)

Ellie Kildunne scored a hat-trick as England beat Ireland in the Six Nations (PA Wire)

The Red Roses will be among the favourites to win the tournament as host nation, and will be aiming to go one better after losing in the final to New Zealand in 2022.

“I look forward to hosting a Women’s Rugby World Cup on home soil here in England next year,” Kildunne added.

“Every game we play, more and more fans come to see us, so it’s extremely exciting that they get to see the best teams in the world compete here on their home soil.

“If you want to be inspired not only by women but also by powerful athletes, on and off the field, then come to a game.

“This is going to be the place to be and if you miss your chance now, you’re going to have to catch up later when the world starts talking about it.”

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