Ellie Kildunne could quit England after 2026 Six Nations

Wednesday, 12 November 2025 at 18:31

byRugby Rucker

England full-back and World Cup winner Ellie Kildunne says she’s “open to anything” when it comes to the proposed R360 league.

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“It doesn’t mean I’d take it, but I’d like to understand the league a bit more to see if it’s an opportunity I’d like to take,” Kildunne told BBC Radio 4’s

Today programme.

Speaking at Bracknell Rugby Club during the launch of the RFU’s Rugby Fest weekend, the 26-year-old stressed her focus remains firmly on her current club season with Harlequins.

The Red Roses’ tour of clubs nationwide coincides with persistent rumours about the future of men’s and women’s club rugby, with R360 dominating the headlines. The Daily Telegraph article reporting Kildunne as a top R360 target is now two weeks old, noting that a “significant number” of her England teammates have reportedly signed pre-contract agreements.

Kildunne, contracted to Premiership Women’s Rugby side Harlequins, opens the league season on Friday, 24 October against Loughborough Lightning at the Twickenham Stoop.

“I’m just focused on the Harlequins season I’ve got. This week has been absolutely crazy, so I can’t look too far ahead – I don’t even know what I’m having for dinner tonight,” she said.

“There’s going to be lots of investment into the game now, lots of changes that people will see, and I think that’s the direction rugby needs to go. We’ve made something happen, and that’s going to come with talking points and debates. This league (R360) is still something we don’t know too much about.”

Crucially, the RFU has confirmed that players who sign for R360 would not be eligible to play for England, meaning Kildunne’s international career would effectively be on hold if she joined the breakaway league.

Ellie Kildunne named on six-strong Sports Personality of the Year shortlist

The BBC Sports Personality of the Year (SPOTY) is all about celebrating British sporting brilliance — the athletes who’ve not only dominated their fields but captured the hearts of the nation along the way.

With the 2025 ceremony fast approaching, the competition is wide open and the names in contention are nothing short of elite.

BBC Sports Personality of the Year (Latest Odds)

6. Luke Littler – Darts

Odds: 50/1. At just 17 years old, Littler became the youngest darts world champion in history, defeating Michael van Gerwen in the 2025 World Championship final.

His breakthrough has made him a rising star in the sport, though darts has a smaller SPOTY audience compared to football or rugby, placing him lower in the rankings.

5. Hannah Hampton – Football (England & Aston Villa)

Odds: 25/1. Hampton played a crucial role in England’s UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 triumph, saving two penalties in the final against Spain.

Her heroics in goal were vital to England’s success, but goalkeepers often receive less recognition than high-profile goal-scorers, keeping her further down the list.

4. Lando Norris – Formula

Odds: 22/1. Norris has enjoyed a competitive 2025 season, consistently finishing in the top positions and securing a victory at the Australian Grand Prix.

While his performances have kept him in contention for the World Drivers’ Championship, he still falls short of winning an outright title, keeping him below some of the other contenders.

3. Ellie Kildunne – Rugby (England Women)

Odds: 20/1. Kildunne was instrumental in England’s victory at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, showcasing exceptional skill and leadership throughout the tournament.

Her contributions have brought significant attention to women’s rugby, making her one of the strongest contenders. While rugby enjoys huge moments, its profile compared to football and golf means Kildunne ranks third.

2. Rory McIlroy – Golf

Odds: 13/8. McIlroy had a historic year in 2025, winning the Ryder Cup for Europe and completing his career Grand Slam with victory at the Masters at Augusta.

He also won the Players Championship and the Pebble Beach Pro-Am. His consistency, combined with these career-defining achievements, makes him a strong contender for the SPOTY award.

1. Chloe Kelly – Football (Arsenal & England)

Odds: 10/11. Chloe Kelly scored the decisive penalty in England’s UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 final, securing back-to-back European titles, and played a key role in Arsenal’s UEFA Women’s Champions League success.

Her impact on both the international and club stage, along with England’s World Cup glory, places her as the clear favorite for this year’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year.