Game Changer

Brought to you by Penguin. 'Luke warm is no good.' As a youngster, Ellie Kildunne was told girls don’t play rugby. But that’s what she was good at, and she was determined to find a way. Growing up in Yorkshire, Ellie started playing Rugby aged six with a boys’ team, which she continued to do until she was 13, constantly having to prove herself as the only girl. Then, her mum found out about some local U15 trials for girls. She did the trial, made the team, and thus began the career of an England rugby great. But to achieve greatness in sport is not an easy journey. Ellie has faced prejudice. She has fought through career-threatening injury. While the hyper focus that is part of her ADHD superpower has driven her forward, there’s a difference to the way she processes information that has led to misunderstandings and conflict, at school, at college and in her professional life. Ellie’s guiding philosophy is ‘Luke warm is no good’. Her passion for rugby was always white hot. The fire will never go out, and the setbacks have made her stronger. Now, on the back of an historic World Cup win with the Red Roses and with unparalleled energy, she wants to show other girls and women that they can smash through barriers and achieve their goals, whatever their chosen path in life is. This is the incredible story of a true game changer. © Ellie Kildunne 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026