Ellie Kildunne: Inside Bristol Bears Move, Career and Profile

Ellie Kildunne will play for Bristol Bears Women in the 2026-27 Premiership Women’s Rugby season after leaving Harlequins in one of the biggest club transfers in the women’s game this summer.

The England full-back, widely regarded as one of the world’s best players, described Bristol as “the perfect club” because of its ambitious style of play and long-term vision.

With the new season approaching, Bristol are expected to be among the leading contenders, with rugby fans also set to find markets on the campaign through brand new betting sites entering the UK market.

Kildunne’s departure from Harlequins came as a surprise after five successful seasons in London, where she established herself as one of the standout players in Premiership Women’s Rugby.

She later admitted leaving the club had been “not in my control”, but believes Bristol offers the ideal environment for the next stage of her career.

The 2024 World Player of the Year admitted that she had ‘looked at Bristol a couple of years ago’ before making the move to the West Country this summer.

The Bears have made no secret of their ambition to compete for major honours, and Kildunne’s arrival is seen as a significant statement ahead of the new campaign.

Kildunne is set to make her debut for Bristol in November when the 2026-27 Premiership Women’s Rugby season gets underway.

Away from the transfer headlines, Kildunne remains one of the biggest names in English rugby.

The 26-year-old, from West Yorkshire, has become a key player for the Red Roses, winning multiple Six Nations titles and establishing herself as one of the sport’s most exciting attacking full-backs.

Kildunne’s salary with Bristol Bears has not been publicly disclosed, but England’s leading Red Roses players receive central RFU contracts worth around £50,000 as a basic salary, with additional income available through club contracts, sponsorships and commercial partnerships.

The RFU also agreed a new four-year deal this summer, which includes enhanced player pay and Rugby World Cup bonuses.

If England successfully defend their Women’s Rugby World Cup title in 2029, selected players could receive bonuses worth up to £100,000.

Kildunne will now be hoping the move to Bristol Bears helps take her career to another level.