Kildunne confirms uncertain club future after Harlequins departure

Ellie Kildunne has admitted she has no answer yet on her club future after Harlequins confirmed on Tuesday that the England full-back would leave the Twickenham Stoop at the end of the 2025/26 Premiership Women’s Rugby season, ending a five-year association in which she scored 52 tries in 60 appearances.

Speaking on her podcast Rugby Rodeo alongside England teammate Jess Breach, Kildunne said she is close to a decision but not there yet. “I don’t know what club to play for yet,” she said. “I’m in a position that I don’t have answers for people. I’m pretty close to knowing what I want to do. It is just finding the right environment for me.” When Breach jokingly suggested she might end up at amateur club Barnes, Kildunne did not rule it out: “I might be playing for Barnes. Who knows?”

Kildunne posted on Instagram shortly after Harlequins’ statement — which did not include a quote from the player — saying she was “gutted” to be leaving. The Telegraph has reported that timekeeping issues and a breakdown in her relationship with head coach Ross Chisholm were contributing factors in the split, though the exact circumstances remain unclear.

Despite the circumstances of her exit, Kildunne was named Supporters’ Women’s Player of the Season on Wednesday, even as Harlequins missed out on a top-four finish.

Several clubs have already been linked with the Keighley-born back. Bristol Bears, who endured a difficult season and are looking to return to knockout rugby, have been mentioned as a candidate. London-based first-time semi-finalists Trailfinders Women are another option, with Kildunne’s close friendship with England teammate Meg Jones — her roommate on international duty — potentially a draw. Sale Sharks have also entered the conversation publicly, posting on Instagram shortly after the news broke: “Anyone know where this Northern cowgirl is going…?” Tom Hudson’s side have been active in the transfer market, recently signing Zoe Stratford, Tatyana Heard, and Sarah Beckett as part of a drive to bring top northern talent back to the region.

During her time at Harlequins, Kildunne was named World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year, won the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2025, and was runner-up at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year. On the same podcast episode, she also discussed her ADHD diagnosis and her decision to stop taking prescribed medication because of its side effects.

Kildunne’s next confirmed appearance will be for England in WXV, meaning a club announcement may not come immediately.