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England full-back Ellie Kildunne, a figurehead for the Red Roses’ Rugby World Cup win last year, is to leave Harlequins at the end of the season.<\/b><\/p>\n
The 26-year-old joined Quins from Wasps in 2021 and has scored 52 tries in 60 appearances.<\/p>\n
Harlequins were the defending Premiership Women’s Rugby champions in Kildunne’s debut season, but the club have been overtaken by the likes of Gloucester-Hartpury and Saracens as the preeminent sides in the domestic game.<\/p>\n
Quins have missed out on the play-offs this season. They have made the semi-finals only twice in Kildunne’s five seasons at The Stoop.<\/p>\n
Kildunne’s next club is yet to be announced.<\/p>\n
She was not quoted on Harlequins’ announcement of her move, but posted a message to Instagram. , external<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n “After five years at Quins, it’s hard to put into words how much this place has meant to me,” she wrote.<\/p>\n “I’ve shared so many moments here – on the field, in the changing room, and with friendships that will stay with me long after I leave.<\/p>\n “I’ve always tried to be the best player I can be, giving everything I have every time I step onto the pitch.<\/p>\n “For me, that’s always been about being in the right environment – one where I can be unapologetically myself and work with those who truly value each individual and what they bring to the team.<\/p>\n “I’m incredibly grateful to the supporters and my team-mates who’ve inspired me to play the rugby I love.<\/p>\n “Things may not always be in our control, and I’m gutted to be leaving, I wish everyone at Quins the best for what’s next.”<\/p>\n