England and Harlequins full-back Ellie Kildunne has been named World Rugby women’s player of the year. The 25-year-old was top try-scorer during last season’s Six Nations, when England won the Grand Slam, claiming nine tries and winning player of the championship. And her thrilling attacking style has made her a genuine box-office talent in the women’s game.
She becomes the latest England player to win the award, following the likes of Marlie Packer (2023), Zoe Aldcroft (2021), Emily Scarratt (2019) and Sarah Hunter (2016).
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“I would like to congratulate Ellie on an exceptional year and a well-deserved accolade,” the Red Roses head coach, John Mitchell, told www.englandrugby.com. “It is truly inspiring to see one of our players from such an outstanding team receive this prestigious recognition. I know Ellie would be the first to credit the incredible support and dedication of her teammates, who have been instrumental in her success this year.”
The South Africa flanker Pieter-Steph Du Toit won the men’s player of the year title for a second time. He became only the fourth player to land the award more than once, following New Zealand trio Dan Carter, Richie McCaw and Beauden Barrett. The Ireland captain, Caelan Doris, was among the nominations, as were Du Toit’s Springboks teammates Cheslin Kolbe and Eben Etzebeth.
Erin King, the Ireland forward, won the women’s breakthrough player award just two months after making her 15-a-side Test debut. King, 21, was also a member of the Ireland sevens squad that took part in the Paris Olympics. Kildunne, Du Toit and King were honoured at World Rugby’s annual awards ceremony, held this year in Monaco.
