Ellie Kildunne: Red Roses star offers powerful message to students after receiving honorary degree
Ellie Kildunne has been recognised with an honorary degree by the University of Leeds.
Red Roses star Ellie Kildunne MBE has been recognised with an honorary degree by the University of Leeds, describing the award as a “huge honour”.
Kildunne was recently named the Rugby Union Writers’ Club personality of the year for 2025-2026 after another outstanding 12 months in the sport for club and country.
It continues a memorable season for the flying Keighley-born full-back, whose highlights on the field included scoring two dazzling tries in the Rugby World Cup semi-final win over France and another electric solo effort a week later to help see off Canada in the final as England kept up their staggering dominance in the game.
Kildunne‘s achievements saw her finish runner-up in BBC Sports Personality of the Year after becoming the first women’s rugby player to be shortlisted and she was even immortalised in a custom-made Barbie doll.
Pinching myself
Speaking after accepting the honorary degree, Kildunne said: “I feel like I’m talking about someone else because I’m still pinching myself that I’ve got these opportunities. I guess it shows where women’s rugby has got to now, that we are recognised for honours like this, and it’s something I’m hugely proud of.”
Advising students on their path after graduation, she said: “Keep that fire in your belly. Sometimes you might be clouded by the smoke and not really know what it’s there for, but passion and drive is a hugely important trait.
“Accept that life is going to have its challenges, expect that it’s not going to be a straight road, have no expectations but have high hopes and it might take you to places you never thought were possible – and that’s exactly what I did.”
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Kildunne admitted she was surprised to hear about her honorary degree, saying: “When I first received the email from the University of Leeds, I was like, have I been at the Uni and used the Wi-Fi for something, is that what this is?
“But when I read it, I was so proud to be a representation of a Yorkshire woman. It’s huge to show that there are role models out there. I don’t necessarily want to be a role model for rugby, I want to be a role model for going for something that you believe in.”
Celebration
The ceremonies took place this week in the University’s Grade II-listed Great Hall, as thousands of students also celebrated their graduations on campus in the sunshine.
Professor Shearer West, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Leeds, said: “The graduation ceremonies are a personal highlight of the academic year, and a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the wonderful achievements of so many.
“Our honorary graduands are not only examples of achieving excellence in their fields, but they also illustrate the importance of collaboration, and the power of ideas.”
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