St Mary’s alumna Ellie Kildunne awarded MBE in New Year Honours

St Mary’s University, London, is proud to congratulate alumna Ellie Kildunne on being awarded an MBE in the King’s 2026 New Year Honours List, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to English rugby.

Ellie, an England Women’s Rugby international and Harlequins RFC fullback, was runner-up at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards in December 2025, following her role in leading the Red Roses to the 2025 Rugby World Cup title on home soil. In November, she was also awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Sport by St Mary’s, recognising her impact on the women’s game both on and off the pitch.

Prof Anthony McClaran, Vice-Chancellor of St Mary’s University, said: “On behalf of everyone at St Mary’s, I am delighted to congratulate Ellie on this well-deserved honour. Watching her career grow has been a source of pride and inspiration for our whole community, and we are proud to support and champion the wider influence of the Red Roses on women’s rugby.

Ellie embodies the values that define St Mary’s — generosity of spirit, inclusivity, respect and excellence — and we are thrilled by everything she has achieved.”

Ellie was awarded her Honorary Doctorate alongside fellow St Mary’s alumnae Jess Breach, Abi Burton and Rosie Galligan, all of whom played key roles in England’s unbeaten Rugby World Cup and Six Nations campaigns this year. Together, they have become global ambassadors for women’s sport and powerful role models for future generations.

Located a stone’s throw from the home of rugby in Twickenham, St Mary’s has a long and proud history of elite sports. In recent years, alumni have won Rugby World Cups, Six Nations titles and Olympic medals, with students and graduates representing their nations at the past three Olympic Games.