St Mary’s Alumna Ellie Kildunne Nominated for Sports Personality of the Year 2025

Former Sport and Exercise Science student at St Mary’s University, London Ellie Kildunne has been shortlisted for the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year 2025.

Ellie is the first ever women’s rugby player to be nominated for the award.

This nomination comes off the back of a superb performance by Ellie during the Women’s Rugby World Cup, in which she played a key role in securing England’s victory.

During the campaign, Ellie scored five tries including two tries during the semi-final against France and a solo try in the final against Canada.

Earlier this year, England also retained their Six Nations title with Ellie scoring four tries at the tournament.

In 2024, Ellie was named World Rugby Player of the Year after another dazzling performance at the Six Nations, as well as competing for Team GB at the Paris 2024 Olympics in the women’s rugby sevens.

Speaking on Ellie’s nomination St Mary’s Vice-Chancellor Prof Anthony McClaran said, “Ellie’s nomination for Sports Personality of the Year is a truly outstanding achievement and one that reflects her exceptional dedication and contribution to the sport. We are proud to have Ellie among our alumni, and her success continues to inspire our students, staff, and wider community. Everyone at the University wishes Ellie the best of luck at the upcoming awards.”

The winner of Sports Personality of the Year will be decided by the public, with voting taking place during the live show on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Thursday 18 December.

St Mary’s University has seen great success in elite rugby, with three alumnae playing alongside Ellie Kildunne for the Red Roses at the Women’s World Cup this year. Jess Breach, Rosie Galligan, and Abi Burton were recently invited back to the University alongside Ellie to receive Honorary Doctorates in Sport in recognition of their significant contributions to English Rugby.

Current Physiotherapy student Aoife Wafer reached the quarter-finals in this year’s Rugby World Cup with Ireland, having been named Women's Six Nations Player of the Championship for 2025.

At the Paris Olympics, former student and rugby scholar Aaron Grandidier won a Gold medal in the Men’s Rugby Sevens with France.