Ellie Kildunne's long-term England future in serious doubt

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The 26-year-old, who signed her latest deal with Harlequins in 2024, has been identified as a leading target for the breakaway competition, with reports suggesting several England teammates have already agreed to pre-contracts.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4, Kildunne made clear she is interested in learning more before making any decision:

With the domestic season currently paused, her focus remains on the present while uncertainty continues to surround the new league and its impact on the international game.

The Rugby Football Union has confirmed that players who join R360 would be ineligible for England selection, meaning any move could put her international career on hold.

As speculation continues, her decision could have major implications for both her career and the wider future of women’s rugby.

From rugby romances and Olympic love stories to growing families and cross-border relationships, here’s a look at the glamorous partners cheering on England during the 2026 Six Nations.

Zoe Aldcroft & Luke Stratford

World Cup-winning captain Zoe Aldcroft shares a heartwarming rugby romance with her husband, Luke Stratford. The pair first met outside a nightclub in Gloucester, but their relationship truly blossomed when Luke cleverly booked physio sessions at the same time as Zoe before they officially got together.

The couple tied the knot in June 2024 at Hackness Grange in Scarborough. Zoe shared snaps of their special day on Instagram, captioning the post: 

Their bond is strengthened by a shared love of rugby. Luke currently serves as the Women’s Scrum Coach at Sale Sharks, having previously coached Leicester Tigers Women.

Although Aldcroft was named England captain earlier in the year, she will miss the 2026 Six Nations as the couple prepare to welcome their first child. Speaking on the England Rugby Podcast: O2 Inside Line, she revealed that Luke was one of the first people she called after learning of her captaincy.

Loosehead prop Hannah Botterman has found love across the Severn Bridge with Wales international Georgia Evans. Following her reported split from fellow Red Roses star Holly Aitchison, fans began speculating about the relationship after Evans was spotted supporting England during the recent tournament—most notably wearing a Red Roses shirt during the final.

The rumours have since been confirmed, with the cross-border couple now officially an item, proving that rugby rivalries stop at the touchline.

England’s electric full-back Ellie Kildunne is currently embracing the single life after confirming her split from long-term partner Cameron Sommerville-Bailey just before the Six Nations.

The pair had been together for around five years, and Kildunne described the separation as amicable, explaining that she “still loves him to pieces,” even joking that cleaning her boots was “his love language.”

When asked whether there was someone new in her life, Kildunne was quick to shut down speculation, replying: “No, there is not.” For now, the Red Roses star is focusing fully on her flourishing rugby career as she heads into another Six Nations campaign.

Few love stories in rugby are as inspiring as that of Celia Quansah and Meg Jones. The pair met at Loughborough University, where Quansah transitioned from athletics to rugby, and their friendship soon blossomed into romance.

Jones admitted in an interview with Team GB that it wasn’t exactly love at first sight: “I actually didn’t really fancy Celia. As I got to know her, she was so kind, empathetic and compassionate… The more we spoke, the more I started to fancy her and love her more. We realised we are soulmates.”

Together, they have enjoyed glittering careers in rugby sevens, representing Great Britain at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and playing club rugby for Wasps, making them one of the sport’s true power couples.

Saracens winger Jess Breach has been in a long-term relationship with Harlequins forward Archie White for more than five years.

The rugby duo have supported each other through the highs and lows of elite sport, including navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking to Talking Rugby Union, Breach explained: “We isolated together when bubbles were introduced last year, but it made us stronger and I think the dedication we have in rugby as players can reflect a lot of other things such as a relationship.”

The pair are frequently seen cheering each other on from the sidelines, embodying the true spirit of rugby partnership.

England stars Marlie Packer and Rosie Galligan are not only teammates but also partners in life.

The couple recently got engaged during a romantic lakeside picnic, with Galligan sharing the moment on Instagram and captioning it: “The easiest yes in the world. Forever and always.”

Packer is already a proud mother to her son, Oliver, from a previous relationship, and Galligan has embraced family life seamlessly.

Adding to the excitement, the couple are now expecting their first child together, marking a joyful new chapter for the Red Roses pair.