Ellie Kildunne benched for England's rugby Test against USA amid form concerns

Ellie Kildunne, a prominent figure for England's Red Roses rugby team and former World Player of the Year, will not start in the upcoming Test match against the USA, WRAL and BBC Sport reported. Despite her popularity and significant following, Kildunne has been benched by England head coach John Mitchell for the match scheduled on Friday night.

Kildunne has been central to the Red Roses' rise to world champions and is widely recognized, even having her own Barbie doll. However, recent performances have seen a dip, including being heavily marked in matches against Canada where England suffered their first loss in four years, ending a 41-Test unbeaten streak.

Coach Mitchell acknowledged Kildunne's value to the team but emphasized the need for consistency, stating that she is going through a difficult period and that competition within the squad is important. He highlighted the importance of reinforcing behaviors necessary for the team's game, which applies to all players.

Kildunne has made 33 appearances for the Red Roses since the start of 2024, mostly playing at full-back, but recent challenges have led to her being benched as the team looks to maintain high performance standards.

The Test match against the USA will be a key opportunity for England to continue their campaign, with Kildunne's role possibly evolving as she works to regain consistent form.