Ellie Kildunne’s most recent multi-year contract with Harlequins marks a turning point in professional women’s rugby, even though her pay may not yet match that of male rugby stars. It’s a message rather than merely a wage increase. Kildunne, the current World Rugby Women’s Player of the Year, has landed a contract that solidifies her status as one of the sport’s most valuable players, both on and off the field.
Although private, the terms of her contract are in line with the Rugby Football Union’s (RFU) elite full-time contracts for the best players in England. Leading Red Roses players currently receive basic salaries ranging from £40,000 to £50,000 per year, with extra match costs and bonuses for winning tournaments, according to reports from The Times. Kildunne’s yearly salary probably surpasses £80,000 when commercial appearances and sponsorships are taken into account. Just a few years ago, this amount was nearly unimaginable for female rugby players.
Ellie Kildunne – Personal and Career Information
| Full Name | Ellie Kildunne |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 8 September 1999 |
| Nationality | English |
| Position | Full-back / Centre |
| Current Club | Harlequins Women |
| National Team | England (Red Roses) |
| Major Honour | World Rugby Women’s Player of the Year (2024) |
| Estimated Net Worth (2025) | Between $500,000 – $1 million |
| Contract Type | Multi-year professional deal with Harlequins |
| Reference |
Kildunne’s decision to stay with Harlequins has transformed her from a renowned athlete to a brand advocate for advancement. She is “central to how we want to play the game,” according to head coach Ross Chisholm, a statement that transcends strategy. Her professionalism, unwavering perseverance, and obvious leadership have come to represent how, when taken seriously, women’s sport can command resources and respect.
The new contract was signed at a time when English women’s rugby is undergoing significant change. The RFU’s initiative to broaden its professional structure is both strategic and opportune, as the 2025 Rugby World Cup will be held domestically. Kildunne’s continuous inclusion in this arrangement stands for leadership and stability, which is a very smart move for both the Red Roses and the Harlequins.
Her path thus far has been particularly motivating. Kildunne, who was born in Keighley, West Yorkshire, started her career with Gloucester-Hartpury before relocating to Wasps and then, in 2021, Harlequins. She changed over time from a budding young artist to a world-renowned figure. She has contributed significantly to England’s domination with her speed, accuracy, and inventiveness; in 2024, she won Player of the Year after scoring 14 tries in just nine Test matches.
In contrast, a top-tier female rugby player’s income in 2018 was approximately £18,000, which frequently compelled players to take on part-time employment or hold down second jobs. For elite players, that number has now more than doubled. This growing trend is consistent with the wider development of women’s sport in the UK, where professional backing, sponsorship, and visibility have significantly increased in cricket, rugby, and football.
The financial aspect is merely one aspect of Kildunne’s situation. Her impact goes beyond how much money she makes. Young athletes now look forward to her, especially girls growing up in areas where rugby was formerly thought to be unattainable. Her following on social media keeps growing as a result of her professionalism and lighthearted nature. Her economic value is increased by her internet presence, which also gives her leverage that previous generations of athletes did not have.
Even though her income is still low when compared to men’s rugby, her career path suggests something quite novel: a reevaluation of value. Kildunne is a representative of a generation of athletes whose value is determined by both their cultural impact and performance. She is one of the most significant assets in English rugby due to her media presence, marketability, and support of women’s rugby.
That sentiment is aptly expressed by her coach. Even after winning World Player of the Year, Chisholm remarked, “Ellie is always trying to be better.” She’s already discussing the future. She is defined by her attention and hunger. What distinguishes her is her extraordinary consistency combined with her ambition. She is extending her posture rather than just holding onto it.
Kildunne, who is only 25, has already attained respect, fame, and a platform—things that many athletes want for their entire lives. Despite being insignificant in comparison to the multi-million dollar contracts of elite male athletes, her pay signifies a substantial cultural shift. It shows that women’s rugby is becoming more professional and less tokenism.
The commercial viability of women’s athletics is also demonstrated by her new deal. Long renowned for emphasizing identity and community involvement, the Harlequins have acknowledged the branding potential of their female cast. By making significant investments in players like Kildunne, they are fostering a movement rather than merely creating a successful club. Her new contract is an investment in raising awareness of women’s rugby as well as a reward for her performance.
As the 2025 Rugby World Cup draws near, Kildunne’s notoriety is expected to become even more. As an athlete who combines emotional genuineness with athletic skill, she has emerged as the face of English women’s rugby. Her enthusiasm during games, her interactions with fans, and her candid interviews all contribute to an incredibly relatable and transparent connection. She is, in many respects, the embodiment of the sport’s future: vibrant, self-aware, and media-savvy.
Her salary, match bonuses, and endorsement deals with companies eager to capitalize on her appeal have contributed to her estimated net worth of between $500,000 and $1 million, according to financial analysts. For comparison, this puts her on level with well-known players from France and New Zealand as one of the highest paid women’s rugby players in the world.
However, Kildunne’s humility is what really makes her compelling. She still puts the success of the team before her own celebrity, even in the face of recognition and increased cash. She frequently attributes her development in interviews to her teammates and coaching staff, calling her surroundings “the reason I play with such freedom.” Focused, cooperative, and grounded, this mentality has grown to be a crucial component of her appeal.
Her ascent has wider societal ramifications as well. More young women will view rugby as a feasible career option as pay increases, and Kildunne’s success will be crucial to that change. She is contributing to the dismantling of antiquated notions about gender and athletic value by normalizing financial compensation in women’s sports. Perhaps even more valuable than the figures on her contract is that cultural impact.
Her new deal is a source of infectious optimism. It shows the development of an entire sport rather than just the accomplishments of a single person. Although Ellie Kildunne’s pay may garner media attention today, its real significance resides in what it stands for: equality, opportunity, and a more promising and equitable future for women’s rugby.
