As Harlequins gear up for their tasty away clash against Loughborough Lightning this weekend, Ellie Kildunne is reflecting on her journey, her team’s resurgence, and the tools that keep her at the top of her game—including a crucial partnership with Canterbury.
Kildunne, recently crowned World Rugby World Player of the Year, is an icon of skill and resilience on the pitch. Speaking to The Power Pod, Premiership Women’s Rugby’s official podcast, she shared insights into her unique relationship with her rugby boots, emphasizing how Canterbury’s innovation has transformed her performance.
“I told them when I signed that I needed boots that allowed me to perform at my elite level,” she said. Over time, Canterbury responded with lighter, faster designs—complete with her signature bright white and customizations by the ‘twocustomisers’ of Loughborough. “Canterbury have been brilliant, and it’s great that their new campaign ensures every player in the league gets access to these high-performance boots.”
For Kildunne, the psychological aspect of gear is as important as the physical. “Wearing dark boots feels like mud is stuck to my feet,” she joked. “Bright boots make me feel fast.” With Canterbury’s support, she and other players no longer have to struggle with ill-fitting or outdated equipment, a meaningful step as the women’s game grows exponentially.
Harlequins, currently third in the league, are on an upward trajectory. Kildunne attributes this to trust—within the team and in their coach, Ross Chisholm. “This season, I’m not stressed when the other team has the ball. Our defense is the best it’s ever been,” she explained, crediting new signings like Alex Callender for adding depth to the squad.
As they prepare to face a formidable Loughborough side featuring stars like Sadia Kabeya and Emily Scarratt, Kildunne emphasized the importance of strategic preparation. “Individually, Loughborough have incredible players, but a team isn’t just individuals. We’ll be analyzing their weaknesses and turning them into our opportunities.”
Kildunne’s humility and focus are evident despite her recent accolades. “Winning World Player of the Year doesn’t mean anything for the next game. As soon as I got back to England, I was at zero again,” she said.
With her feet firmly on the ground – and in a pair of Canterbury boots – Kildunne and Harlequins are bidding for a seventh straight win in the league this weekend.
Hear the latest episode of The Power Pod here.
