Ellie Kildunne: England now the benchmark following World Cup glory

With their 33-13 win over Canada securing the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, England stand as the benchmark in the women's game.

Captain Ellie Kildunne acknowledges that, now more than ever, her side will be a target for every challenger.

Kildunne said: “Everyone wants to knock off the top team, everyone wants to be a World Cup champion.”

She added that continued growth in every training session and match will be essential: “If we have the ambition to keep on getting better in every training session and every game, there is no reason why we can’t win a World Cup again,” she said.

“It is long time away and there will be people chasing our tails. Everyone wants to knock off the top team, everyone wants to be a World Cup champion.

“It is not something that is ever going to be given, it is something we are going to have to work on. We will keep striving to be better.

England’s dominance masks a painful past: six consecutive final appearances culminating in losses to New Zealand. Kildunne helped deliver closure in 2025, and now she is determined to build a dynasty.

The captain wants more than wins. “We want to be an entertaining team, we want to score tries from every single corner of the pitch,” she said, citing a desire to reward fans and grow the game.

As England bask in triumph, the challenge ahead is clear: defend their crown while inspiring the next wave of rugby talent.