Rugby Union Jun 23, 2026

Ellie Kildunne: England star to depart Harlequins at end of season with new club yet to be confirmed

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
Ellie Kildunne: England star to depart Harlequins at end of season with new club yet to be confirmed

England international Ellie Kildunne will leave Harlequins at the end of the season.

Kildunne - who has scored 52 tries for Quins and was named World Player of the Year during her time at the Stoop - leaves after a five-year tenure that saw her miss out on a Premiership title despite joining the then-defending champions in 2021.

"After five years at Quins, it's hard to put into words how much this place has meant to me," the Rugby World Cup winner wrote in a post on Instagram.

"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.

"I've always tried to be the best player I can be, giving everything I have every time I step onto the pitch.

"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.

"I'm incredibly grateful to the supporters and my team-mates who've inspired me to play the rugby I love.

"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."

Harlequins chief executive Laurie Dalrymple added: "Ellie has helped inspire a generation of female players; some of whom are now coming through our pathway and we are confident the future of Harlequins Women is bright..

"We want to wish Ellie every success in the future and thank her for her contribution to the club, and the women's game."

Tags:

rugby-union news

Share this article

Related Posts

Champions Cup: The greatest finals in the history of Europe's highest level ahead of Leinster vs Bordeaux-Begles meeting

Champions Cup: The greatest finals in the history of Europe's highest level ahead of Leinster vs Bordeaux-Begles meeting

Ahead of Saturday's Champions Cup final between Leinster and Bordeaux-Begles in Bilbao, we look back at the greatest European Cup finals in history......

Women's Six Nations: How England's Red Roses defied the odds to create more history with Grand Slam triumph in Bordeaux

Women's Six Nations: How England's Red Roses defied the odds to create more history with Grand Slam triumph in Bordeaux

Pregnancies, injuries, scepticism and the small matter of a Grand Slam decider on foreign soil.The Red Roses had to navigate it all during the 2026 Si...

Maro Itoje: England head coach Steve Borthwick says captain may need to miss inaugural Nations Championship and clash vs Springboks to rest

Maro Itoje: England head coach Steve Borthwick says captain may need to miss inaugural Nations Championship and clash vs Springboks to rest

England captain Maro Itoje may need to miss the summer's inaugural Nations Championship Tests against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina, head coach Ste...

England Rugby: Benhard Janse van Rensburg, Charlie Bracken, Archie McParland called up as George Martin returns in Nations Championship training squad

England Rugby: Benhard Janse van Rensburg, Charlie Bracken, Archie McParland called up as George Martin returns in Nations Championship training squad

Benhard Janse van Rensburg, Charlie Bracken and Archie McParland have all been named in England's training camp ahead of the inaugural Nations Champio...

Henry Pollock has 'unfinished business' with British and Irish Lions after Test snub in Australia

Henry Pollock has 'unfinished business' with British and Irish Lions after Test snub in Australia

Henry Pollock says he has unfinished British and Irish Lions business and is using the 'hurt' of not featuring in a Test match in Australia as motivat...

Exeter end Leicester's unbeaten home run to set up thrilling final day of Prem regular season before play-offs

Exeter end Leicester's unbeaten home run to set up thrilling final day of Prem regular season before play-offs

Olly Woodburn scored two tries as Exeter pulled off a stunning 35-26 victory in a pulsating contest as Leicester missed the chance to climb to second...