England full-back Ellie Kildunne, a figurehead for the Red Roses’ Rugby World Cup win last year, is to 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 Kildunne’s debut season, but the club have been overtaken by the likes of Gloucester-Hartpury and Saracens as the preeminent sides in the domestic game.
Quins have missed out on the play-offs this season. They have made the semi-finals only twice in Kildunne’s five seasons at The Stoop.
Kildunne’s next club is yet to be announced.
She was not quoted on Harlequins’ announcement of her move, but posted a message to Instagram. , external
“After five years at Quins, it’s hard to put into words how much this place has meant to me,” she wrote.
“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.”
In October, Kildunne said she was open to the possibility of joining the breakaway R360 series, which aimed to recruit the biggest names from both the men’s and women’s game.
The F1-style global circuit has been forced to postpone its launch to 2028 at the earliest after difficulty gaining World Rugby ratification and fierce opposition from national unions.
Harlequins chief executive Laurie Dalrymple said he was confident that the club’s women’s programme would compete at the top end of the game again.
“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,” he said.
“We want to wish Ellie every success in the future and thank her for her contribution to the club, and the women’s game.”
Kildunne, who was named World Player of the Year in 2024 and scored five tries, including a superb solo effort in the final against Canada, at last year’s World Cup, is not the only big-name England player on the move.
Sale have signed England captain Zoe Stratford and her international team-mate Tatyana Heard for next season.
Reigning champions Gloucester-Hartpury, Saracens, Exeter and Ealing Trailfinders will contest this season’s PWR play-offs, with the semi-finals to be played on Sunday 14 June.