Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Kildunne was named world player of the year in 2024
ByMike HensonBBC Sport rugby union news reporter- Published28 minutes ago
England star Ellie Kildunne says she did not want or plan to leave Harlequins and does not know where she will play her club rugby next season.
Harlequins announced the 26-year-old's departure on Tuesday, with Kildunne posting separately on Instagram that she was "gutted" to be leaving The Stoop.
"It was news I don't think I was prepared for," the full-back told her Rugby Rodeo podcast., external
"I didn't have plans to leave. It was as much a shock to me as everyone else."
The Daily Telegraph report that Kildunne, who was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) last year, has been late for several team meetings, external and relations with the coaching staff have been strained.
The Women's Rugby World Cup winner, who arrived at Harlequins from Wasps in 2021, has been linked to a number of clubs.
"Everyone is wondering where I am going, and currently I don't know," she added.
"I wish I had more of an idea and a plan. The most important thing to me is to be a place where I can carry on being my authentic self and keep progressing to be the best rugby player I can be, and challenged by my team-mates and coaches.
"Any clubs out there that want to take me, just drop me a message!"
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Brought up in Keighley, Kildunne would fit big-spending Sale's aim to bring world-class talent back to the north.
However Sale, who have recruited Zoe Stratford, Tatyana Heard and Sarah Beckett from Gloucester-Hartpury already this summer, are not believed to be in the market for her signature.
With fellow England internationals Holly Aitchison, Morwenna Talling and Amy Cokayne already part of their squad, the Premiership Women's Rugby salary cap of about £250,000 could be a restrictive factor.
Bristol Bears, who signed American superstar Ilona Maher on a three-month loan last season and admit that the marketability of players is a key factor in their recruitment,, external would also seem a logical destination.
However the Bears, who have endured a dismal campaign which is likely to end with them above only bottom side Leicester, are not thought to be in contention.
Kildunne has not featured in a PWR final in her career, and while three-time defending champions Gloucester Hartpury would be as good a guarantee as she could get in ending that barren run, they recently extended the contract of Emma Sing, who plays at full-back.
Kildunne's friend and fellow Red Rose Jess Breach has been occupying the 15 shirt at Saracens.
A switch to Ealing Trailfinders, who earned a spot in the play-offs for the first time last weekend, have England captain Meg Jones at centre and are based in west London, would be most convenient as the nearest top-flight club to Harlequins.
Exeter, who have announced the departure of seven players on Thursday, could also have space on their roster.
