St Mary’s Alumnae Crowned Rugby World Cup Champions

St Mary’s University, London alumnae Ellie Kildunne, Jess Breach, Abi Burton and Rosie Galligan have won the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 with England’s Red Roses.

Having played an outstanding tournament, the final on Saturday saw England’s Red Roses win 33 to Canada’s 13 points at Twickenham Stadium. Ellie Kildunne scored England’s first try of the game just eight minutes in.

St Mary’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Anthony McClaran said, “This is a brilliant achievement from our four alumnae, and the whole of the Engand Team. I know the whole of the St Mary’s community is proud of their success and has been watching their journey to the final. We look forward to seeing what’s next for them all for their clubs and the Red Roses.”

Head of Sport St Mary’s Andrew Reid-Smith said, “We are incredibly proud of Ellie, Jess, Rosie and Abi for their phenomenal achievements on the world stage. To see our alumnae play such key roles in England’s World Cup victory is inspiring for everyone at St Mary’s and a testament to their talent, dedication and hard work.”

In the semi-finals, Ellie scored two superb tries to help secure England’s 35-17 win against France. This marked Ellie’s return to the field, having sat the quarter-finals out due to a concussion.

Both Ellie and Jess have shone throughout the World Cup campaign, contributing to multiple tries across the Red Roses’ games. Jess passed her 50-try mark with a hattrick against Samoa during the knock-out stage of the tournament, making her one of England’s top try scorers. Ellie, who is the World Rugby Player of the Year, was player of the match in the opening game of the tournament.

England’s final group game against Australia marked Jess’ 50th appearance for the Red Roses, in which she also scored a try.

All four of the former St Mary’s students have previously played for their country, with Ellie, Jess and Rosie making their World Cup debuts in 2021 and Abi and Ellie staring in the Olympic sevens squad at Paris 2024. Abi made her Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games.