World Player of the Year Ellie Kildunne leaves Harlequins to join Bristol Bears

Ellie Kildunne, the World Player of the Year and England’s first-choice fullback, has signed with Bristol Bears for the 2026/27 Premiership Women’s Rugby season, ending her five-year association with Harlequins.

Kildunne made 60 appearances for the London club across five seasons, helping them reach the semi-finals twice, before Harlequins confirmed earlier this month that she would be departing. The 26-year-old had publicly acknowledged uncertainty about her next move, telling the Rugby Rodeo podcast: “I don’t know what club to play for yet.”

The announcement ends that speculation. Kildunne arrives at Ashton Gate having just helped England secure the Six Nations title, capping a remarkable run of form that included a Player of the Match display in a 43-28 win over France at Bordeaux’s Stade Atlantique. She also finished second in the 2025 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award and was part of the England squad that won the 2025 Rugby World Cup.

“Bristol Bears feels like the perfect club for me at this stage of my career,” Kildunne said. “The way the team plays is hugely exciting and completely aligned with how I want to express myself on the pitch. The ambition, the style and the belief within the group really stood out whenever I have played against them.”

She also cited a personal connection to the venue: “I’ve always loved playing in Bristol — both for club and country. The World Cup semi-final at Ashton Gate was an incredible occasion and the fans there are hugely passionate.”

Kildunne joins a Bristol squad already stacked with international talent. Fellow 2025 Rugby World Cup winners Abbie Ward, Sarah Bern and Hannah Botterman are among her new teammates, alongside Black Ferns playmaker Ruahei Demant and Paris Olympics bronze medallist Ilona Maher.

Head coach Scott Lawson made no attempt to downplay the significance of the deal. “Signing Ellie is a huge statement of intent and we’re delighted that she’ll be a Bristol Bears player as she comes into the peak years of her already incredibly successful career,” he said. “She is not only the World Player of the Year and one of the finest talents on the planet, but also a player who inspires people far beyond rugby. Her ability to excite supporters, influence matches and drive standards makes her a perfect fit for what we’re building at Bristol Bears.”