From Barbie doll to bench – how Ellie Kildunne slipped from Red Roses’ XV
Ellie Kildunne has been left out of England’s starting side for Friday’s match against the USA after a difficult run of form. Head coach John Mitchell says she still brings great value, but stresses that consistency and competition for places matter across the Red Roses.
Kildunne, 27, has made 33 appearances since the start of 2024, mostly at full-back, and remains a major threat for metres gained and breaking the gainline. But her average defenders beaten has fallen from six per match in 2024 to 4.2 in 2026, and she conceded more penalties this year than in either of the previous two. Emma Sing, who has three league titles with Gloucester-Hartpury, starts at full-back after impressing with her reliability and kicking, while Kildunne is on the bench.
In short
- Kildunne is benched after a dip in consistency.
- Emma Sing starts at full-back against the USA.
- Kildunne’s average defenders beaten fell to 4.2 this year.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Leaving Kildunne out of the starting side can be defended as a fair response to recent performance and a way to uphold high standards across the squad. Sing’s reliability and kicking offer strengths suited to the match, while competition for places gives every player an incentive to improve and keeps selection based on current form.
The case against
Keeping Kildunne in the starting side could be defended by her proven ability to make metres and break the gainline, qualities that can change a match even during a less consistent spell. Her reduced statistics do not erase her experience or threat, and starting her might give her the continuity and confidence to regain form while preserving a major attacking option from the outset.
Explained simply
The Red Roses are England’s women’s national rugby union team, and the starting XV is the 15 players who begin a match. Coaches can leave a player out of that line-up while still naming them among the substitutes, who may come on during the game.
Ellie Kildunne is an experienced full-back, a position where players defend near the back and can run the ball forward. Emma Sing is another full-back competing for the role, and has won three league titles with Gloucester-Hartpury.
Selection reflects both a player’s form and competition for places in the squad. Full-backs can help their team gain ground by carrying the ball and kicking, while also needing to defend and avoid giving away penalties.