Ellie Kildunne is now a 'Doctor' after Women's Rugby World Cup win

Thursday, 06 November 2025 at 12:07

byRugby Rucker

St Mary’s University London celebrated four of its alumnae this week, as Jess Breach, Abi Burton, Rosie Galligan, and Ellie Kildunne were awarded Honorary Doctorates in Sport in recognition of their outstanding contributions to English rugby.

The awards ceremony, held on 5 November 2025, followed a dinner in honour of the inaugural Remembrance Trophy matches between St Mary’s and the Royal Artillery rugby teams — a fitting backdrop to honour these trailblazers of the women’s game.

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Jess Breach – England’s Lightning Wing ⚡

Known for her blistering pace and try-scoring prowess, Jess Breach made an immediate impact on the international stage, scoring six tries on her England debut in 2017. The Saracens winger has since established herself as one of the most lethal finishers in the women’s game, helping England lift the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.

A St Mary’s alumna in Sports Communication & Marketing, Breach’s journey from Chichester RFC to the pinnacle of rugby underscores her commitment, talent, and infectious passion for the sport.

Abi Burton – Inspirational Comeback Queen ?

Abi Burton’s story is one of resilience and determination. After representing Great Britain in Rugby Sevens at Tokyo 2020, Burton faced a life-threatening illness in 2022, being diagnosed with autoimmune encephalitis. Following months of recovery, she returned to elite rugby, earning her full England Union debut in 2025.

Her bravery both on and off the field makes Burton a true inspiration for the next generation of athletes.

Rosie Galligan – Engine Room Powerhouse ?

A lock with a never-say-die attitude, Rosie Galligan has battled setbacks including meningitis and a major leg injury, yet returned stronger to play a pivotal role in England’s pack. Known for her line-out prowess and relentless physicality, she continues to be a cornerstone of Saracens Women and the Red Roses.

Ellie Kildunne – The Dynamic Back ⚡

Versatile, elusive, and electric in attack, Ellie Kildunne has dazzled on the wing, at centre, and full-back. Since making her England debut in 2017, she has consistently lit up the field with her pace and skill, earning recognition as one of the top backs in the women’s game. Her contributions were vital to England’s World Cup success.

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Ellie Kildunne & Cameron Sommerville-Bailey

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

Recently, fans have noticed fewer pictures of the couple on social media, sparking speculation about whether their relationship has shifted. While some whispers suggest a split, others believe they remain together but are simply keeping things more private as Ellie’s profile rises on the mainstream stage. Neither has commented publicly.

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.

Jess Breach & Archie White

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.

Abbie Ward & Dave Ward

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.”

Claudia Moloney-MacDonald

Dynamic, versatile, unstoppable. Whether it’s directing play at scrum-half or flying down the wing, Claudia Moloney-MacDonald has the skills to shine. At Exeter Chiefs Women, she’s proved herself a game-changer; on the international stage she’s just as fierce.

A Six Nations Grand Slam winner in 2019 and a World Cup veteran from 2021, Moloney-MacDonald is back to bring pace, precision, and passion to the Red Roses’ latest campaign. Off the field, she shares the game with her wife, Irish international hooker Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald.

After a standout club career at Wasps and now Exeter, plus years of representing Ireland, Cliodhna brings her own power and leadership to the front row. Together, the Moloney-MacDonalds are making rugby history as one of the sport’s most exciting cross-border partnerships.

Marlie Packer & Rosie Galligan

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.”

Beyond the romance, their shared passion shines through. Rosie has spoken about the team’s rebirth under head coach John Mitchell: “We came off the back of a loss at the World Cup... since then we have had Mitch come in and we have had a regrowth as a Red Roses side... You look at a rose and how it has to die to come back alive again.”

In March 2025, Marlie and Rosie brought inspiration off the field too, visiting the Guernsey Girls’ Rugby Academy where they were “blown away” by the response and hoped to “inspire those girls to pick up a ball.”

Marlie, who is also mum to son Oliver from a previous relationship, often shares snapshots of their happy family life. Rosie and Oliver’s bond has quickly blossomed, making them one of rugby’s most loved-up couples.

Zoe Aldcroft & Luke Stratford

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.”

Mackenzie Carson & Sarah “Scrum Queen” Bern

One’s a Canadian-born front-rower who’s already battled through three World Cups. The other’s an English powerhouse known for smashing defences. Together, Mackenzie Carson and Sarah Bern aren’t just teammates — they’re partners in every sense.

In 2025, Carson made the switch from Canada to England, joining Bern in the Red Roses’ pack. Now rugby’s fiercest duo will be side by side on the world stage, ready to deliver big hits, big carries, and a love story written in red and white.

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