Ellie Kildunne to leave Harlequins after five years and 52 tries

Ellie Kildunne will leave Harlequins at the conclusion of the 2025/26 Premiership Women’s Rugby season, the club confirmed, bringing an end to a five-year association in which the England full-back scored 52 tries in 60 appearances. The 26-year-old, who joined the Twickenham Stoop in 2021, said she is “gutted” to be departing, though her next destination has yet to be announced.

In an Instagram post published shortly after Harlequins’ official statement, Kildunne wrote: “End of a chapter — after five years at Quins, it’s hard to put into words how much this place has meant to me. I’ve shared so many moments here — on the field, in the changing room, and with friendships that will stay with me long after I leave.”

Kildunne added that her decision was shaped by the need to be in the right environment. “For me, that’s always been about being in the right environment — one where I can be unapologetically myself and work with those who truly value each individual and what they bring to the team,” she wrote. “Things may not always be in our control, and I’m gutted to be leaving. I wish everyone at Quins the best for what’s next.”

The Keighley-born back is widely regarded as one of the best players in the women’s game. She was named 2024 World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year and was a central figure in John Mitchell’s England side that won the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 on home soil. At this year’s Guinness Women’s Six Nations, she scored five tries, including two in the Grand Slam-clinching victory over France in Bordeaux.

During her time at Harlequins, Kildunne helped the club reach the Premiership Women’s Rugby final four on two occasions, though a second English league title proved elusive. Her final appearance for the club came in a 21-17 loss to Trailfinders Women, with Harlequins’ season having ended the previous weekend with a 50-29 win over Leicester Tigers.

Harlequins CEO Laurie Dalrymple paid tribute to her influence on the broader women’s game. “Ellie has helped inspire a generation of female players, some of whom are now coming through our Pathway,” he said. “We want to wish Ellie every success in the future and thank her for her contribution to the club, and the women’s game.”

Head coach Ross Chisholm echoed those sentiments. “Ellie has been an important part of our squad over the last few seasons,” he said. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with her and seeing her put in performances for both Harlequins and the Red Roses. I look forward to seeing her continue to develop as a player.”

Where Kildunne moves next is set to be one of the most closely watched stories in the women’s domestic game ahead of the 2026/27 season.