'I could be playing for Barnes': Ellie Kildunne sheds light on club future

England full-back Ellie Kildunne has revealed that she does not currently know where she will be playing her club rugby next season.

On Tuesday her former club side, Harlequins, confirmed that the 26-year-old would not be returning to the Twickenham Stoop next season after a five year stay in West London.

In an Instagram post shared shortly after Harlequins’ statement, which did not contain a quote from the Red Roses star, Kildunne wrote that she was “gutted” to be leaving the club she scored 52 tries in 60 games at.

During her stay with Harlequins, Kildunne was named World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year, won Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 and was runner-up at BBC Sports Personality of the Year last year.

On her podcast, Rugby Rodeo, Kildunne spoke to her England teammate Jess Breach about where her domestic future lies.

“I don’t know what club to play for yet,” Kildunne said. “I’m in a position that I don’t have answers for people. I’m pretty close to knowing what I want to do. It is just finding the right environment for me.”

“You might be playing for Barnes,” Breach interjected.

“I might be playing for Barnes,” Kildunne responded. “Who knows?”

The exact reason for Kildunne’s departure from Harlequins are immediately unclear. A report by The Telegraph reported that it was the 26-year-old’s timekeeping and a breakdown in her relationship with head coach Ross Chisholm was a deciding factor.

On Wednesday, Kildunne was named Supporters’ Women’s Player of the Season for her efforts as Quins missed out on the top four.

On the wide-ranging episode of her podcast, Kildunne also discussed her ADHD diagnosis and how she stopped taking her prescribed medication due to some of its side effects.

In the 24 hours before it was confirmed rumours had begun to swirl around Kildunne’s club future.

Bristol Bears have been mentioned as a possible new home for the Keighley-born back. Scott Lawson’s team endured a torrid season and could do with the added firepower should they want to return to knockout rugby sooner rather than later.

First-time semi-finalists Trailfinders Women have also been mentioned as a potential landing point. Roomates with Meg Jones in England camp, the prospect of staying in London and playing with one of her closest confidants could appeal to Kildunne.

A return to Gloucester Hartpury was touted too, but would seem like an illogical move from the three-time Premiership Women’s Rugby champions after they recently re-signed star full-back Emma Sing.

 

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All this before even bringing up Sale Sharks, who slyly commented “anyone know there this Northern cowgirl is going…?” on an Instagram post shortly after the news broke.

Tom Hudson’s Sharks have made a splash in recent weeks with the signings of Zoe Stratford, Tatyna Heard and Sarah Beckett, with the club wanting to bring some of the country’s top northern talent back home.

The only stumbling block for Sale could be the salary cap, with the aforementioned trio as well as Amy Cokayne, Morwenna Talling and Holly Aitchison on their books.

There is also the reality that Kildunne may not sign for a club immediately. She will next be in action for England’s WXV Global Series campaign between September and October and, as a centrally contracted England player, there is no rush for the 26-year-old. Even if there is an understandable desire to want clarity on her future sooner rather than later.

But with all that ahead of her, Kildunne was able to offer a parting word of thanks to her home of half a decade before heading off on her next adventure.

“It’s now, only on reflection, that Quins has given me an environment to grow not only as a person but as a leader,” Kildunne said. “I’m going to really, really miss the club and miss the people. And the fans as well. The support at Quins has been phenomenal over the past few years.

“I’m excited for next season, what it brings for me, but also what it brings for Quins as well. I wish them all the best. I wish the girls a great season and I know whenever I play against Quins, whoever it’s for, I’m going to be so welcomed at the Stoop.”