Why Ellie Kildunne Had To Turn Down The Olympics To Become The Best Rugby Player In The World

Ellie Kildunne, a decorated rugby player, reflects on an extraordinary year marked by significant accolades, including being named World Rugby Player of the Year and an MBE. She describes the past few years as a period of immense growth, both on and off the field, a trajectory she never anticipated when she began playing for the sheer joy of scoring tries. This success has brought a new awareness of her platform and the potential to inspire and effect change, a responsibility she finds both daunting and a source of pride. Her proudest moment, surprisingly, isn't just winning the World Cup, but the unparalleled team culture that made the victory so meaningful. She emphasizes the deliberate cultivation of this culture within the Red Roses, focusing on mutual understanding, trust, and strong bonds, a process that involved learning from mistakes. This internal sense of connection and care within the team transcends individual achievements. Kildunne highlights the dramatic evolution of women's rugby over her nearly decade-long career with the England national team. She recalls playing in front of 2,000 people early on, a stark contrast to the 80,000+ crowds they now attract. Beyond attendance, she points to the crucial professionalization of the game in England, allowing players to dedicate themselves fully to their sport without the need for a 9-to-5 job. More recently, she notes the significant shift in brand partnerships, moving beyond mere tokenism to genuine recognition of the women's game as a valuable market. She advocates for marketing the women's game differently from the men's, recognizing their distinct playing styles and fan bases, a strategy she believes is key to unlocking broader appeal. While acknowledging the progress, she still sees room for improvement, particularly in professionalizing the Premiership level to further foster growth and opportunity. Her childhood, spent in a rural area, was characterized by a love for outdoor play. Introduced to rugby by her two male neighbors, she joined their training sessions at the age of six, simply wanting to continue playing outside. As a child, she was largely oblivious to the barriers she might have faced as the only girl, not letting it bother her if boys laughed or if she had to change in her dad's car. These experiences, she now realizes, were driven by a pure love for the sport and a competitive spirit, enjoying outplaying the boys and often earning "player of the match" accolades. She played various sports, including football, but lacked female role models in team sports like rugby and football. Even the England women's World Cup win in 2014 went unnoticed by her at 13 or 14, as the idea of a professional sports career for women was not on her radar. Her parents encouraged hard work, but she was unsure of her path until a tournament at 16 exposed her to a higher level of play. This led her to Hartpury College, and within a year, she was contracted with the England senior side, realizing then that rugby could be her profession, though she couldn't have imagined its current scale. She now aims to inspire young people to pursue their passions, emphasizing perseverance and the beauty of the unknown. Kildunne views the sacrifices she's made, such as missing prom or moving away from home at 16, not as sacrifices but as conscious choices made for her career and personal growth. She acknowledges that moving away was a difficult decision, and while she initially viewed it as an exciting adventure, she now understands the profound importance of family closeness. A pivotal decision arose during COVID-19 when she was offered a contract with the England 15s team, the Red Roses, but it meant forfeiting her Olympic aspirations after three years of training for the sevens. To be the best player in the world, she felt she needed to commit fully, which meant turning down the Olympics to focus on her 15s career. She believes everything happens for a reason, and this proved true when the opportunity to play in the Paris Olympics later arose, allowing her to participate while still playing 15s. This decision tested her friendships and her own goals, but she trusted her instincts, a choice that has ultimately paid off. Her relationship with rugby has remained remarkably consistent. She still plays with joy and humor, emphasizing that the moment her behavior changes or she stops loving the game is when she should retire. She believes her passion for the sport is infectious and wants to inspire others to find that same dedication in their own pursuits. The influx of fans and the recognition, like being cheered before matches, still surprises her. She values the connection with fans, taking time to interact with them, take photos, and remain authentic, rejecting the idea of being a "media-trained athlete." She believes that being understood as a person, not just a player, is crucial. Early in her career, she felt misunderstood, partly because she didn't fully understand herself, sometimes prioritizing fitting in over authenticity. On the pitch, coaches had specific ideas about how a fullback should play, which didn't align with her natural style. She complied to get selected but lacked confidence. A new coaching group allowed her to embrace her true self, a turning point that significantly boosted her confidence and career. Building her personal brand, Kildunne prioritizes authenticity and aligning with brands that share her values and offer opportunities for creativity and growth. She sees her role as more than just an ambassador; she aims to turn moments into movements, fostering long-term change. She collaborates with brands like Defender and Asahi, focusing on initiatives that extend beyond mere appearances, such as bringing rugby into schools to broaden its reach. She also considers how brands can align with different fan bases, for example, exploring how an alcohol brand can be associated with family values and community hubs rather than just adult consumption, thereby creating a more inclusive environment. Her creative side extends to photography, a hobby she picked up during an injury. She uses her camera to capture the stories of others, seeing it as a way to give visibility to those who might not otherwise have a platform. This creative outlet helps her navigate new environments and connect with people, often leading to unexpected conversations and opportunities. She's explored ideas like a creative platform for women in sport and photo shoots that reimagine traditional rugby aesthetics. Kildunne is also releasing a book, which she describes not as a traditional autobiography but as a self-help guide. She aims to share her experiences, including the difficult choices, injuries, and the rapid rise of women's rugby, to help others feel less alone and provide them with insights on navigating similar challenges. She wants to be seen as a real person, not just a celebrated player, emphasizing that success is rarely a straight line and that there are always alternative paths. The book also delves into her childhood and offers her perspective on making choices and finding inspiration. Regarding youth in her career, she still feels like an 18-year-old player and believes in understanding oneself early on to avoid past mistakes. She advises enjoying the present while staying true to one's values and direction, as this authenticity will be the driving force throughout her career. She acknowledges the pressure of youth lists but focuses on self-discovery and enjoying the journey.