Former St Mary’s University, Twickenham (SMU) student Ellie Kildunne has been named World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year for 2024.
Ellie studied Sport and Exercise Science at St Mary’s, and is an England and Harlequin F.C. full-back. During the Six Nations earlier this year, she was the top try-scorer with nine tries. The team went on to win the tournament, with Ellie also being named player of the championship.
Following her success in the Six Nations, Ellie also competed for Team GB at the Paris 2024 Olympics in the women’s rugby sevens. The squad reached the quarter finals during the Games and finished seventh overall.
Speaking on Ellie’s award, Head of School (Sport, Exercise and Applied Science) Jade Salim said, “Ellie was an excellent student on the BSc Sport Science programme. Alongside her academic commitments, she excelled as an elite rugby player, showcasing exceptional dedication, perseverance, and determination. Congratulations to Ellie on this incredible achievement. This recognition is thoroughly deserved, and we are all immensely proud of her accomplishments.”
Head of Sport St Mary’s Andrew Reid-Smith added, “During her time at St Mary’s, Ellie was a Sport Scholar. She is an exciting player and has had an outstanding year contributing to England’s success in the Six Nations and making her Olympic debut. Congratulations to Ellie on being named World Rugby’s women’s player of the year.”