Ellie Kildunne Stranded in Dubai: Harlequins & England Rugby Updates
Loughborough Lightning secured a crucial victory over Harlequins in a high-scoring Premiership Women’s Rugby match on , winning 43-33. The win marks Lightning’s first in six games and lifts them two places in the standings to sixth.
The match, played at Northampton’s Franklin’s Gardens, saw the return of England internationals Ellie Kildunne and Sadia Kabeya to their respective teams after a period of travel disruption. Both players had been stranded in Dubai due to escalating conflict in the Middle East, impacting airspace and flight availability. Kildunne started at full-back for Harlequins, while Kabeya featured in the flanker position for Loughborough Lightning.
Kildunne opened the scoring for Harlequins with a attempt, followed by a score from Jade Konkel. However, Lightning responded strongly, with tries from Lis Maude, Daisy Hibbert-Jones, and a hat-trick from winger Bo Westcombe-Evans establishing a 24-14 lead by halftime. Westcombe-Evans proved to be the standout performer of the match, consistently threatening the Harlequins defense.
The second half saw Christine Belisle extend Lightning’s advantage. While Harlequins mounted a comeback effort with tries from Freya Aucken and Sarah Parry, it wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit. Westcombe-Evans completed her hat-trick, and a try from Carmela Morrall sealed the victory for Loughborough. A late score from Ella Cromack for Harlequins proved to be a consolation.
The return of Kabeya, alongside fellow World Cup winners Helena Rowland and Lilli Ives Campion, marked the first time the trio had started a match together since England’s triumph in September. Despite the positive return of key players, Harlequins were unable to secure a win and remain in fourth place in the league standings.
The situation surrounding Kildunne and Kabeya highlighted the challenges faced by athletes traveling internationally amidst ongoing geopolitical instability. Both players had been in Dubai for a short break when the conflict escalated, leaving them unable to return to England as planned. They were in contact with their clubs and the Rugby Football Union (RFU) throughout the ordeal, receiving support and guidance as they worked to secure their return.
A joint statement from the RFU, Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR), Harlequins, and Loughborough confirmed that both players had registered with the UK government for official updates and were being supported throughout the period. Kildunne has since returned home, according to reports, but was unable to participate in Harlequins’ match against Saracens prior to her return.
The disruption caused by the travel restrictions meant that both Kildunne and Kabeya missed their respective team’s fixtures this weekend. Kildunne’s absence was felt by Harlequins, while Kabeya’s return proved pivotal for Loughborough Lightning, contributing to their much-needed victory.
Elsewhere in the league, Gloucester-Hartpury defeated Chiefs to regain the top spot in the standings. The full impact of this weekend’s results will become clearer after the remaining fixtures are played. However, Loughborough Lightning’s win represents a significant step forward for the team, moving them away from the bottom of the table and providing a boost in confidence as they continue their season.
Ellie Kildunne, recently named 2024 World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year and a key figure in England’s 2025 World Cup-winning team, faced a frustrating period being stranded in Dubai. Her return to action, though ultimately in a losing effort, underscores her importance to both Harlequins and the England national team.
The incident serves as a reminder of the broader impact of global events on the world of sports, and the challenges athletes face when navigating international travel during times of conflict. The swift response from governing bodies and clubs to support Kildunne and Kabeya demonstrates the commitment to player welfare within the sport.