Ellie Kildunne has opened up about her life away from rugby after splitting from long-term partner Cameron Sommerville-Bailey.
The England and Harlequins star confirmed the pair went their separate ways before the Six Nations, having lived together for around five years.
Kildunne, who was named World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year in 2024, explained there was no drama behind the decision.
In a wide-ranging interview about her life on and off the pitch, she said: “We split just before the Six Nations. It was very amicable. We lived together for four-five years.”
She added that she still loves her former partner “to pieces”, before joking that washing her boots had been his “love language”.
So, is there anyone new?
“No, there is not.”
Kildunne has previously spoken openly about her relationship and life away from rugby, but right now there seems to be plenty keeping her busy.
Photography, tattoos and a collection of slightly random hobbies for starters.
Here are 10 things you might not know about the England star.
1. She bought a £30 tattoo gun from Amazon
Kildunne decided to have a go at tattooing after buying a cheap tattoo gun online.
She started on herself before moving on to some willing volunteers.
Her most high-profile customer? Former England head coach John Mitchell, who let Kildunne tattoo him following the Rugby World Cup.
Probably best not to ask for a refund.
2. She owns a drum kit – but can't play it
Kildunne has a drum kit at home.
Can she play the drums?
Not really.
It was one of several unusual hobbies she revealed while discussing what she gets up to away from rugby.
3. She's obsessed with photography
This one is slightly more serious.
Photography has become one of Kildunne's biggest interests away from the pitch, with the England star owning several cameras.
She has previously explained how photography helps her switch off when rugby isn't taking up her time.
4. She's a massive Liverpool fan
Kildunne grew up in West Yorkshire but her football allegiance is very much on the other side of the Pennines.
She's a Liverpool supporter and grew up idolising Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres.
Solid choices, to be fair.
5. She never got a detention
Kildunne has revealed she never received a detention at school.
Even more annoyingly, she was pretty good academically too, picking up A and A* grades at GCSE.
There goes the rebellious rugby star narrative.
6. Her cowboy celebration started in Zante
You will probably have seen Kildunne's cowboy-style celebration after scoring for England.
There's a story behind it.
The celebration developed following a holiday to Zante with teammates and eventually followed her onto the rugby pitch.
It's now become something of a trademark.
7. She has her own Barbie
This is quite a flex.
Kildunne was one of four rugby stars selected for Mattel's Team Barbie campaign alongside Ilona Maher, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe and Nassira Konde.
The project was launched to encourage young girls to embrace confidence and self-belief.
8. Her younger brother is pretty handy too
Rugby ability clearly runs in the family.
Kildunne's younger brother Sam has also played at a high level and has been involved with England Sevens.
Ellie Ildimeherself started playing rugby league with Keighley Albion before eventually switching codes and becoming one of the world's best union players.
9. She wrote 6,000 words about Jessica Ennis-Hill
This might be the best one.
Kildunne was given a typing exercise at school and decided to write about Olympic great Jessica Ennis-Hill.
She got slightly carried away.
As she recalled when looking back at the sporting heroes who inspired her, the Year 8 assignment eventually passed 6,000 words.
That's one way to avoid doing the bare minimum.
10. She refuses to do one thing in training
Finally, the socks.
Ellie Kildunne recently revealed her biggest rugby “ick” – players training with their socks pulled all the way up.
The England full-back prefers hers down and simply isn't having it any other way.
She explained exactly why the training habit bothers her, and it appears there's no changing her mind.
Everyone has a line. Apparently this is hers.
