England rugby stars stranded in Dubai as war restricts flights while governing bodies offer ‘support’
Governing bodies offer 'support' as England rugby stars stranded in Dubai
Harlequins full-back Ellie Kildunne and Loughborough Lightning back row Sadia Kabeya are currently stranded in Dubai as the war involving Iran, the United States and Israel continues.
The England duo have reportedly been in contact with their clubs and the RFU, but neither has a guaranteed route home in the next few days due to the uncertainty surrounding the conflict.
As a result, the World Cup-winning stars will miss this weekend’s Premiership Womenâs Rugby (PWR) fixtures, with Kildunne’s Quins teammates having to face Saracens without her, while Kabeya will be absent for her Lightning match against Sale.
A joint Rugby Football Union, PWR, Harlequins and Loughborough statement said: âDuring the reserve Premiership Womenâs Rugby week, Ellie Kildunne and Sadia Kabeya travelled to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, for a short break. Due to ongoing airspace disruption, they have been unable to return to England as planned and will therefore not play in PWR games this weekend.
âBoth players have registered their presence with the UK government to receive official updates and guidance. Both Ellie and Sadia are in contact with the RFU, PWR and their clubs and will continue to be supported throughout this period. They will return to England as soon as it is possible to do so.â
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History made in the women’s game
Kildunne is one of the most well-known rugby players on the planet, male or female, having been named the 2024 World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year, and then becoming the face of the 2025 World Cup-winning Red Roses just a few months later.
As a result, she scooped the runner-up award at the 2025 BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards, beating Lioness duo Chloe Kelly and Hannah Hampton, Formula 1 world champion Lando Norris and Darts sensation Luke Littler to second place behind the title-taking golf star, Rory McIlroy.
She became the first English womenâs player to be nominated for the award when she was named on the six-strong shortlist, while also being the first rugby player of any kind to feature since Jonny Wilkinson and Jason Robinson in 2007.
Speaking at the awards show, she said: âThe impact that the whole team and the whole World Cup has had, not just on womenâs rugby but womenâs sport, has been more than we could have imagined. Itâs something you dream of but never see yourself in that position.
âI want to thank everyone who came to the World Cup and made it so special,â Kildunne continued. âItâs one that will go down in history and lead the way.â
Kabeya famously won the Player of the Match award for her fantastic performance in the World Cup final, and has since been rewarded with an MBE. At just 24 years of age, she is a huge prospect for the future.
