VAST VIEW Red Roses Star Ellie Kildunne Dropped to Bench Ahead of USA Test
England's try-scoring sensation Ellie Kildunne, a face of the Red Roses' rise to world champions, has been left out of the starting XV for Friday's clash with the USA.
Photo by 12019 via Pixabay
Ellie Kildunne, one of the most recognizable names in women's rugby and a key figure in England's climb to world champions, will start Friday night's Test against the USA from the bench, according to Yahoo Sports.
Kildunne has been a central figure in the Red Roses' recent success and rising profile, even having a Barbie doll made in her likeness, per Yahoo Sports. Her absence from the starting lineup marks a notable shift for a player who has largely been seen as the team's figurehead throughout their dominant run.
The report does not detail the exact reasoning behind the coaching decision, but it frames the move as a surprising step down for someone who has become closely tied to the team's identity during their title-winning era.
Sources: Yahoo Sports
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