By Fatma Younis
England have dropped star full-back Ellie Kildunne to the bench for Friday's WXV Global Series match against the United States in New Jersey, with Emma Sing earning the starting No. 15 jersey. The decision follows a dip in form for Kildunne, who has been a household name for the Red Roses and a former World Player of the Year.
Form dip leads to bench role
Kildunne, 27, has made 33 appearances for England since the start of 2024, 29 of them at full-back. However, her influence has waned in recent matches. England's 41-Test unbeaten streak ended with a loss to Canada in Toronto, where Kildunne was heavily targeted by the opposition defence. In the preceding draw with Canada in Exeter, she made 17 carries for just 47 metres, well below her usual output.
Mitchell emphasizes consistency
Head coach John Mitchell said the move was not a reflection of Kildunne's value but a need for greater consistency. "She's just going through a difficult period at the moment, and it's important for us to help her through that," Mitchell said. He stressed the importance of reinforcing behaviours necessary for the team's game plan and creating competition for places.
Sing earns starting spot
Emma Sing, a three-time Premier Women's Rugby champion with Gloucester-Hartpury, has been rewarded for her reliability and strong kicking game. Mitchell highlighted the differences between the two players: Sing offers a "monster boot" and has returned to full fitness after injury layoffs. "She's in a really good physical place, and she's worked really, really hard. So I think it's time to give her an opportunity," he said.
Kildunne's statistics decline
Statistical analysis shows a decline in Kildunne's international metrics over the past three seasons. Her average defenders beaten per game dropped from six in 2024 to 4.2 in 2026, and she has conceded more penalties this year. In the Toronto defeat, she turned over the ball twice, matching her joint-highest total in an England match.
Canada exposed Kildunne's vulnerabilities
Canada's defensive strategy effectively neutralised Kildunne's attacking threat, stepping up quickly and restricting her space. The pattern suggests top-tier opposition have developed specific plans to contain her, prompting Mitchell to seek alternative options at full-back.
Future outlook for Kildunne
Despite the benching, Kildunne remains one of the world's most dynamic players. Her ability to produce match-winning moments, such as the spiral bomb in the 2025 Rugby World Cup final, suggests she will fight back. A potential move to the wing could be part of her evolution, but a return to the starting XV is widely expected.
The match kicks off at 21:15 GMT on Friday, 30 October, at Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey and will be broadcast on BBC iPlayer.
