Breaking Stereotypes: Ellie Kildunne Gets Her Own Barbie Doll

Barbie shared the news on Instagram, writing:
"Team Barbie is back ? Kick off the International Day of the Girl celebration by meeting the new class of Barbie Role Models!

"These all-star rugby players from across the globe know what they’re capable of, and are on a mission to inspire more young girls to dream big."

On the pitch:
?? Ilona Maher (USA)
?? Ellie Kildunne (UK)
?? Portia Woodman-Wickliffe (NZ)
?? Nassira Konde (France)

When asked what her reaction was to the doll, Kildunne said:
"I just couldn't believe it. Icons get Barbies and I would never see myself as an icon. I will never see myself as an icon. I am just a girl that plays rugby."

Kildunne explained how the dolls could inspire young players:
"I didn't play with Barbies when I was growing up. I think one of the reasons was I was outside playing rugby most of the time. But number two, none of the Barbies really looked like me.

"I saw a Barbie as this really girly girl in a dress, and that's not saying that you can't be that when you're a rugby player. But for those young girls that don't play with Barbies because they don't see the resemblance, or they feel like they could never be a Barbie doll, now there's something that shows that you can."

Each player's doll is a one-off, meaning it is not on sale to the public — a unique tribute to the players’ impact on the game and culture of women’s rugby.

Let’s meet the supportive squad off the field...

Marlie Packer and Rosie Galligan are more than teammates—they're life teammates. The pair got engaged in June 2025 with Rosie sharing a dreamy lakeside proposal on Instagram: “The easiest yes in the world. Forever and always.

There’s not much public detail about their relationship, but the headlines say it all: Jess Breach shares life with former Harlequins flanker Archie White, who created headlines by stepping away from the game last summer at just 27.

A bold pivot, and no doubt a steadying presence in Jess’s corner.

Star fullback Ellie Kildunne has long been one of England’s most exciting talents—and her personal life has caught attention too. She was previously in a relationship with Cameron Sommerville-Bailey, a director at Complete Renovations, with the pair even attending the World Rugby Awards together in 2024.

However, rumours now suggest the couple have since split, with Ellie thought to be single as she heads into the World Cup year. Neither has spoken publicly about the status of their relationship, but the whispers have circulated widely among fans.

For now, Ellie seems fully focused on her rugby—lighting up the pitch with her trademark flair as she looks to play a starring role in England’s World Cup campaign.

One of rugby’s ultimate power couples, Abbie Ward tied the knot with former Harlequins hooker Dave Ward back in 2020. The pair first crossed paths at the Quins’ training ground in Guildford when Abbie had just joined the women’s side, and they’ve been inseparable ever since.

Rugby remains at the heart of their relationship. Dave, who previously coached Abbie at Bristol Bears Women, is now head coach at Ampthill & District. And the couple’s biggest victory to date? Welcoming daughter Hallie in July 2023.

Abbie’s comeback just 17 weeks later was nothing short of inspirational – a journey captured in the documentary Abbie Ward: A Bump in the Road.

As Abbie put it: “I think it is nice having someone who can relate to everything that is going on, the highs and the lows. I think it is quite unique to have your other half who completely gets all of that work life but all of the social parts of it as well.”

England’s captain heading into the World Cup, Zoe Aldcroft, has captured hearts both for her leadership on the pitch and her charm off it. She and Luke Stratford—now a women’s rugby coach—first locked eyes in Gloucester, where Luke made a bold first move: approaching her dressed in women’s clothes at a nightclub.

Their wedding came in June 2024 at Hackness Grange in Scarborough, and it was anything but ordinary. As Zoe recounted: Luke insisted on wearing shorts “even in minus conditions”, and she warned, “as soon as the wedding was done the tie was off and the flip-flops were on.”

Beyond the wardrobe quirks, Zoe’s rise is nothing short of inspiring. Named England captain in 2025, she heads into the Rugby World Cup being touted to lead a reshaping of women’s rugby, believing this tournament “has the potential to change women’s rugby for ever.”