Ellie Kildunne: Rising Star Embracing Pressure as England Targets Rugby World Cup Glory

Kildunne's Meteoric Rise in Women's Rugby

At just 25 years old, Ellie Kildunne has transformed from promising talent to England's most lethal attacking weapon. The Harlequins star marked her 50th international cap with a spectacular second-half hat-trick against Wales, cementing her status as one of rugby's brightest stars.

"Pressure is definitely a privilege," Kildunne told BBC Sport after her player-of-the-match performance. "Our potential is the unimaginable. We're going to keep pushing until we reach levels we can't even imagine."

World-Class Performance Breakdown

• Record-breaking statistics: 16 carries, 145 metres gained, 3 tries
• Evolving skill set: Demonstrated improved kicking game with deft chips and grubbers
• Signature celebration: The now-iconic lasso move after scoring

Coach John Mitchell praised Kildunne's adaptability: "She's world-class at counter-attacking, but now serves the team in multiple ways. Teams will try to take away her Plan A, so we're developing her Plan B and C."

England's Dominant Six Nations Campaign

The 67-12 demolition of Wales showcased England's frightening depth:

1. Bonus point secured in 27 minutes
2. 11 total tries scored by 6 different players
3. Record crowd of 21,186 for a Wales women's home game

Emotional Debuts and Comebacks

• Meg Jones: Scored brilliant try days after parents' passing ("I know they'd be proud")
• Abi Burton: Two tries on debut after miraculous recovery from 25-day coma
• Zoe Harrison: Perfect kicking display (6 conversions) justifies fly-half selection

Road to Rugby World Cup 2025

With the home World Cup approaching, England appear unstoppable:

• Nine consecutive test victories
• Average scoreline of 55-12 in last five matches
• Developing two competitive squads for tournament depth

"We haven't even scratched the surface," Kildunne's preseason warning now seems prophetic as England continue rewriting women's rugby standards.