Ellie Kildunne quits Harlequins to join rivals

Premiership Women's Rugby

by Harry Tovey

Tuesday, 02 June 2026 at 16:50

byHarry Tovey

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Harlequins have confirmed that star player Ellie Kildunne will depart the club at the end of the 2025/26 season.

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Having joined the club in 2021, the fullback has made 60 appearances and scored 52 tries for the Twickenham Stoop side.

Within the five years with the Harlequins, she has become one of the most influential and recognisable figures in the game in England and globally.

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Kildunne was named as World Player of the Year and won the Rugby World Cup with the Red Roses. Last year, she also came runner-up at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

She has become one of the main protagonists when it came to driving interest in the women’s game, and it is rumoured that Kildunne could be heading to Gloucester-Hartpury or Sale Sharks next year.

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Much of the discussion has been fuelled by Kildunne being seen alongside Gloucester-Hartpury star Mo Hunt during Harlequins’ match this weekend, leading some fans to speculate that it could be a potential destination.

Another possibility could be a move back to the north of England. Sale Sharks have been aggressively strengthening their squad, securing a deal for England World Cup-winning captain Zoe Stratford OBE ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Born in Keighley, West Yorkshire, Kildunne may be attracted by the prospect of returning closer to home while playing a leading role in an ambitious side that is continuing to build towards challenging at the top of the league.

Given the financial standing of the PWR compared to the rest of the women's game, the most likely possibility is that she will stay in England, and therefore join one of Quins' rivals.

Speaking on the departure, Quins' head Coach Ross Chisholm added: “Ellie has been an important part of our squad over the last few seasons.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with her and seeing her put in performances for both Harlequins and the Red Roses.

“I look forward to seeing her continue to develop as a player, and we all wish her every success for the future.”

Harlequins CEO Laurie Dalrymple added: “Ellie has helped inspire a generation of female players, some of whom are now coming through our Pathway, and we are confident the future of Harlequins Women is bright.

“We want to wish Ellie every success in the future and thank her for her contribution to the Club and the Women’s game.”

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