England rugby sensation Ellie Kildunne has been shortlisted for the 2025 BBC Sports Personality of the Year award, marking a historic moment for the sport. Her nomination comes on the back of a phenomenal year that saw her play a pivotal role in England's World Cup victory and claim the sport's highest individual honour.
A Trailblazing Career and Historic Nomination
Ellie Kildunne's nomination is a landmark achievement, as she becomes the first-ever female rugby player to be shortlisted for the prestigious BBC Sports Personality of the Year (SPOTY) award. This recognition caps an extraordinary period for the dynamic full-back, who has been at the heart of the Red Roses' success.
Her year was defined by team glory on the world stage. Kildunne was an integral part of the England team that won the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup on home soil, ending an 11-year wait for a world title since their last triumph in 2014. She etched her name into the final, scoring a superb solo try in England's 33-13 victory over Canada.
Dominance on the Field and Recognition
Kildunne's individual accolades are a testament to her world-class ability. In 2024, she was crowned the World Rugby Women's 15s Player of the Year. Earlier that same year, she was named Player of the Championship during the Women's Six Nations, a tournament where England secured a Grand Slam.
Her statistics from the 2024 Six Nations campaign were nothing short of staggering, demonstrating her all-round attacking threat. She finished as the top try scorer with 10 tries, while also leading the tournament in metres carried (869.3), metres gained (677.5), and line breaks (13).
Beyond the stats, Kildunne has forged a unique connection with fans through her vibrant personality. Her signature "lasso dance" celebration has become iconic, inspiring supporters to wear Red Roses cowgirl hats in the stands. Her influence even extended into popular culture when Barbie created a one-of-a-kind doll in her likeness to inspire young girls.
The Person Behind the Player
Kildunne's journey is one of versatility. A dual-code athlete, she began with rugby league and union, and also represented Team GB in rugby sevens at the Paris 2024 Olympics. She plays primarily at full-back for both England and her club side, Harlequins Women, though she can also operate in the centre.
In 2024, she was diagnosed with ADHD, a fact she has spoken about openly. When asked to describe herself, she used the word "chaos", a term that reflects her energetic and unpredictable style of play. Regarding her personal life, she was previously in a long-term relationship with businessman Cameron Sommerville-Bailey. While neither party has commented publicly, recent reports suggest they have separated as her profile has risen.
While the exact figure of her net worth is not publicly disclosed—a common reality in the commercially developing world of women's rugby—her marketability has soared. Following her World Player of the Year win, she has secured significant endorsement deals with major brands like Adidas and Red Bull, which contribute substantially to her earnings.
Ellie Kildunne stands at the pinnacle of her sport, not just as a record-breaking athlete but as a charismatic figure breaking new ground. Her SPOTY nomination is a fitting tribute to a year of unparalleled achievement.
