Helping to break down perceptions of female rugby players, Ellie Kildunne — the standout star as England won the Women’s Rugby World Cup — is one of four international players being made into a Barbie doll.
Join the RUCK’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
Barbie shared the news on Instagram, writing:
“Team Barbie is back 🏉 Kick off the International Day of the Girl celebration by meeting the new class of Barbie Role Models!
“These all-star rugby players from across the globe know what they’re capable of, and are on a mission to inspire more young girls to dream big.”
On the pitch:
🇺🇸 Ilona Maher (USA)
🇬🇧 Ellie Kildunne (UK)
🇳🇿 Portia Woodman-Wickliffe (NZ)
🇫🇷 Nassira Konde (France)
“Girls are the future of sports, and Team Barbie is here to cheer them on as we celebrate International Day of the Girl and beyond!”
When asked what her reaction was to the doll, Kildunne said:
“I just couldn’t believe it. Icons get Barbies and I would never see myself as an icon. I will never see myself as an icon. I am just a girl that plays rugby.”
“I just thought, really me? You want to make one of me? But, you know, I felt very proud, giddy, very excited.”
Kildunne explained how the dolls could inspire young players:
“I didn’t play with Barbies when I was growing up. I think one of the reasons was I was outside playing rugby most of the time. But number two, none of the Barbies really looked like me.
“I saw a Barbie as this really girly girl in a dress, and that’s not saying that you can’t be that when you’re a rugby player. But for those young girls that don’t play with Barbies because they don’t see the resemblance, or they feel like they could never be a Barbie doll, now there’s something that shows that you can.”
Each player’s doll is a one-off, meaning it is not on sale to the public — a unique tribute to the players’ impact on the game and culture of women’s rugby.
EDITORS PICKS:
Meet the Red Roses’ private partners:
Let’s meet the supportive squad off the field…
Marlie Packer & Rosie Galligan
Marlie Packer and Rosie Galligan are more than teammates—they’re life teammates. The pair got engaged in June 2025 with Rosie sharing a dreamy lakeside proposal on Instagram: “The easiest yes in the world. Forever and always.
Jess Breach & Archie White
There’s not much public detail about their relationship, but the headlines say it all: Jess Breach shares life with former Harlequins flanker Archie White, who created headlines by stepping away from the game last summer at just 27.
A bold pivot, and no doubt a steadying presence in Jess’s corner.
Ellie Kildunne – Newly Single?
Star fullback Ellie Kildunne has long been one of England’s most exciting talents—and her personal life has caught attention too. She was previously in a relationship with Cameron Sommerville-Bailey, a director at Complete Renovations, with the pair even attending the World Rugby Awards together in 2024.
However, rumours now suggest the couple have since split, with Ellie thought to be single as she heads into the World Cup year. Neither has spoken publicly about the status of their relationship, but the whispers have circulated widely among fans.
For now, Ellie seems fully focused on her rugby—lighting up the pitch with her trademark flair as she looks to play a starring role in England’s World Cup campaign.
[SRC] https://www.ruck.co.uk/breaking-stereotypes-ellie-kildunne-gets-her-own-barbie-doll/
