Kildunne Joins Bristol Bears for 2026-27 Season
Ellie Kildunne, the England full-back and 2024 World Player of the Year, has signed with Bristol Bears for the upcoming 2026-27 Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR) season. The move ends weeks of uncertainty following her departure from Harlequins last month, where she had spent five seasons and cemented her status as one of the sport's most recognisable figures.
Speaking exclusively to BBC Sport, Kildunne revealed that the decision brought her "comfort" after a period where her future was "up in the air." She described Bristol as the right fit, saying conversations with the club’s coaches felt immediately natural. "I knew straight away that it was right for me," she said. "I was actually in the car with my mum when I was on a call with the coaches. She said after it brought a tear to her eye because she felt like it was truly right for me, which is very exciting."
The 26-year-old becomes the highest-profile signing in PWR history, joining a Bears side that has undergone significant roster changes this summer, with 11 players leaving the club. Kildunne’s arrival is a major coup for the West Country outfit, which has been rebuilding its squad ahead of the new season.
A Career at the Pinnacle of Women's Rugby
From Wasps to World Beater
Kildunne, born in Keighley, West Yorkshire, began her professional career at Wasps before moving to Harlequins in 2021. Since making her England debut at age 18, she has earned 62 caps and scored 48 tries, making her one of the most prolific backs in the women’s game. Her trophy cabinet includes a World Cup winner’s medal, five consecutive Women's Six Nations Grand Slams with the Red Roses, and the prestigious World Rugby Women's Player of the Year award in 2024.
Her dominance on the pitch was on full display during the most recent Six Nations, where she played every match and crossed for five tries, helping England maintain their iron grip on the European title. Off the field, her profile has soared: she was the face of the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup for England and finished runner-up in the 2025 BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards.
Why the Move Makes Sense
Kildunne admitted she had considered joining Bristol a few years ago but was not ready to leave London and relocate to the West Country. That has now changed. "I didn't really prepare to move on to another club when I'd left Quins, but I think the world has a funny way of telling you that it's time to move on," she said. The move allows her to link up with a Bristol side that has ambitions to challenge for the PWR title, bolstered by one of the game's genuine superstars.
Her exit from Harlequins triggered a swift response from the London club, which has already re-signed Wales international Kayleigh Powell to a new contract. Powell, who will spend another season at The Stoop, has been a versatile asset at fly-half and full-back, and her re-signing signals Quins' intent to remain competitive without Kildunne.
Legacy and the Bigger Picture
Inspiring a Generation
Kildunne’s high-profile move comes at a time when women’s rugby in England is experiencing unprecedented growth. The legacy of the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, which England hosted and won, continues to ripple through communities. In Brighton and Hove, which hosted two tournament matches including a group-stage England fixture, more than 2,600 women and girls have taken part in rugby-themed events as part of the Strive '25 legacy programme.
Councillor Bella Sankey, Leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, said: "We know that when girls see women competing in elite sport, it inspires them to get active." The council partnered with Hove Rugby Club and local groups to launch weekly women-only walking rugby sessions and taster sessions with the World Cup trophy. The programme—which included rugby-themed warm-ups at parkruns and pop-up events—aims to use the tournament's momentum to boost long-term participation.
As Sankey put it: "The legacy is not just about finding the next Jess Breach or Ellie Kildunne, it is about showing women and girls here in Brighton and Hove that sport is for them."
What This Means for the PWR
Kildunne’s signature is a statement of intent for Bristol Bears, but it also reflects the growing commercial and competitive maturity of the PWR. The league is attracting top international talent and generating increased media attention, with players like Kildunne becoming household names. Her move from one of the league’s traditional powerhouses to a rival club underscores the dynamic, player-driven market that now characterises women’s rugby.
At the same time, her journey from unsure free agent to settled Bear mirrors the broader evolution of the sport: one where elite athletes can make career decisions based on fit and ambition, rather than necessity. For Kildunne, the priority remains clear. "My priority is always rugby," she has said, and Bristol is now the stage where she will continue to shine.
As the 2026-27 season approaches, all eyes will be on Ashton Gate to see how rugby’s brightest star fits into her new surroundings. If her track record is anything to go by, the Bears and the league as a whole are in for a thrilling ride.
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