Eli Kildoon: England full-back leaving Harlequins

England full-back Ellie Kildoon, a figure in the Red Roses’ Rugby World Cup triumph last year, will leave Harlequins at the end of the season.

The 26-year-old joined Quins from Wasps in 2021 and has scored 52 tries in 60 appearances.

Harlequins were the defending Premiership women’s rugby champions in Kildoon’s first season, but the club were overtaken by the likes of Gloucester-Hartpury and Saracens as the main teams in the domestic game.

Queens missed the playoffs this season. In Kildoon’s five seasons at The Stoop they have reached the semi-finals just twice.

Kildoon’s next club has yet to be announced.

He was not quoted in the announcement of his move to Harlequins, however posted a message on Instagram. , outsider

“After five years in Queens, it’s hard to put into words how much this place means to me,” he wrote.

“I’ve shared many moments here – on the field, in the changing room and with friendships that will stay with me even after I’m gone.

“I have always strived to be the best player I can be, giving everything I have every time I step on the field.

“For me, it’s always been about being in the right environment—one where I can be unapologetically myself and work with people who truly value each individual and what they bring to the team.

“I am incredibly grateful to the supporters and my teammates who have inspired me to play the rugby I love.

“Things may not always be under our control, and while I’m disappointed to be leaving, I wish everyone at Queens the best for what’s next.”

In October, at Kildune Says he’s open to the possibility of joining the discrete R360 seriesThe aim was to recruit the biggest names from both men’s and women’s sports.

The F1-style global circuit has been forced to postpone its launch to 2028 after difficulties in gaining World Rugby approval and strong opposition from national unions.

Harlequins chief executive Laurie Dalrymple said she was confident the club’s women’s program would once again compete at the top of the game.

“Ellie has helped inspire a generation of female players – some of whom are now coming our way – and we are confident that the future for Harlequin Women is bright,” she said.

“We would like to wish Ellie every success in the future and thank her for her contribution to the club and to the women’s game.”

Kildoon, who was named player of the year in 2024 and scored five tries at last year’s World Cup, including a superb solo effort in the final against Canada, is not England’s only big-name player.

There are sales England captain Joe Stratford signed and her international teammate Tatyana Hurd for next season.

Reigning champions Gloucester-Hartpury, Saracens, Exeter and Ealing Trailfinders will compete in this season’s PWR play-offs, with the semi-finals to be played on Sunday 14 June.