Ellie Kildunne Stuck in Dubai, Set to Miss Harlequins Match Against Saracens
Ellie Kildunne, a prominent player for the Red Roses, finds herself stranded in Dubai and will miss the upcoming Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) fixture for her club, Harlequins. A joint statement from the Rugby Football Union (RFU), PWR, Harlequins, and Loughborough Lightning revealed that Kildunne and her teammate Sadia Kabeya had traveled to Dubai for a brief getaway during the competition's reserve week. Unfortunately, they are unable to return home as planned due to ongoing airspace disruptions stemming from regional conflict. Key details from the statement include: The first UK government-chartered flight for evacuating nationals landed on Friday, yet thousands remain stranded. Kildunne, who played a crucial role in England's World Cup victory last summer, will miss Harlequins’ home match against Saracens. Both players are in contact with their respective clubs and the RFU, having registered their presence with the UK government to receive updates and guidance. The statement reassured that both Ellie and Sadia will continue to receive support and will return to England as soon as possible. The situation highlights the challenges athletes face beyond the pitch and the importance of safety during such disruptions.
Source: The Independent Sport - 2026-03-06