Ellie Kildunne describes Harlequins exit shock and support at Bristol

Ellie Kildunne has described her departure from Harlequins as an unexpected and difficult change, while outlining how Bristol coaches are helping her settle at her new club. In an interview with the Guardian published on September 12, the England full-back said she was taking responsibility for areas she could improve after a stressful summer.

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The 27-year-old told reporter Sarah Rendell that discussions with Harlequins coaches took place after the Women's Six Nations and ended with the conclusion that she would leave. Kildunne said the outcome surprised her because, following a disappointing season for the club, she had not wanted to depart while the team was struggling. She has since signed for Bristol.

Kildunne described practical changes intended to help her manage her commitments. The Guardian reported that she was diagnosed with ADHD in 2025. She said she had bought a watch to help with punctuality and had so far been on time for everything. She also welcomed reminders from Bristol staff, including messages about administrative tasks such as completing forms.

Her contact with the new club was still at an early stage: Kildunne said she had been in only once, but praised the coaches' approach. She explained that she did not expect them to remind her about everything, while describing their support as helpful to her development. Reflecting on the move, she said she wanted to retain confidence in her playing ability while accepting responsibility where she could do better.

The change of club comes after Kildunne helped England win last year's World Cup. She also represented Team GB in rugby sevens at the 2024 Olympics and told the Guardian that she would welcome another opportunity to compete at the Games. She described that experience as enjoyable and challenging, saying it had helped her develop as a player.

For now, however, Kildunne said her attention was on the next training session and earning her place in the England team, followed by performing for Bristol. Although she expressed interest in the inaugural women's British and Irish Lions tour in 2027, she made clear that selection remained something to work towards, not an assumption. Her immediate emphasis was on improving through her current club and international commitments.