To mark receiving an honorary degree from the University of Leeds for her contributions to women’s sport, Yorkshire-born rugby star Ellie Kildunne joined LUU for a special Q&A, celebrating her journey from local rugby pitches to the international stage.
Meet Ellie Kildunne
Making her England debut at just 18 years old, Ellie Kildunne has become a key player for the Red Roses, helping England dominate on the international stage.
Her achievements include winning the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, being named World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year, and representing Team GB at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
We were incredibly lucky to welcome her to Leeds University Union for a special conversation with your new Activities & Opportunities Officer, Tineka Jennings, where she reflected on her journey from grassroots rugby to international success, the barriers she has overcome, and her passion for inspiring the next generation.
For Kildunne, receiving an honorary degree is about much more than personal recognition.
“It feels like I’m talking about someone else! It shows that the representation in women’s rugby is now recognised. The achievements that we’ve made, for universities to recognise and give honorary degrees to people like myself, you have to pinch yourself.”
Rather than fearing pressure, she sees it as a privilege, saying that her motivation has evolved beyond rugby itself.
“Pressure is all part of it. We’re in a very lucky position to have that pressure. I’ve been given an opportunity in life to make a difference doing something that I love.”
Growing up, Kildunne played rugby with her local boys’ team and was the only girl on the pitch.
When asked about this, she explained that the experience made her more resilient, strong and patient as a player, despite often being treated differently because of her gender.
“I just thought it was so normal, and never something that was going to stop me.”
She also spoke about the importance of grassroots rugby, saying that for her and the rest of the Red Roses, it is:
“Why we are the players that we are today.”
When asked what has driven England’s success, Kildunne put it simply:
“The Red Roses team is like a family… Once you’re in it, you get it.”
But for her, success has never just been about winning.
“I remember writing affirmations that I wanted to win the World Cup, and be happy.”
Looking back now, she recognises just how much those early experiences shaped her resilience, and hopes today’s young players won’t face the same barriers.
Her message to anyone wanting to get into sport, regardless of stereotypes, couldn’t be clearer:
“If you’ve got that fire in your belly, there shouldn’t be anything that stops you.”
As someone proudly from West Yorkshire, Kildunne also reflected on what returning home means to her.
“Yorkshire is my calm place. My family is here, I’ve got so many memories. I’ve been to many places, and there’s nowhere like it.”
She hopes her success opens doors for those who come next.
“It’s important to pave the way for the future generation to not just follow in my footsteps, but take it to the next level.”
At LUU, we’re proud to champion women’s sport and celebrate role models like Ellie Kildunne. Her honorary degree is another powerful moment for the visibility of women’s sport. Watch the full interview to hear more about her inspiring journey from grassroots rugby to the world stage.
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