KEIGHLEY speedster Ellie Kildunne was part of the England side that retained their WXV 1 title earlier this month, as they backed up their favourites tag for the 2025 World Cup.

And this week, England found out their group stage draw for the tournament, for which they will be the host nation.

England will kick off their World Cup campaign on Friday, August 22, when they face the USA at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light.

Their next Pool A clash will come on Saturday, August 30, as they play Samoa at Franklin’s Gardens in Northampton.

Their final group game is against Australia, with that encounter taking place at Brighton’s Amex Stadium on Saturday, September 6.

England will be looking to lift the Women’s World Cup for the third time, after their successes in 1994 and 2014.

Ellie Kildunne scored a try in the 2021 Women's World Cup final, but England agonisingly lost that game 34-31 to hosts New Zealand.Ellie Kildunne scored this try in the 2021 Women's World Cup final, but England agonisingly lost that game 34-31 to hosts New Zealand. (Image: PA.)

And winning that WXV 1 title, the top level of that competition, will be a further confidence boost to the side.

England saw off fellow heavyweights Canada 21-12 on Sunday, October 13, in what was a winner-takes-all final group game.

Success in that game means England have now won 50 of their last 51 matches and builds on a strong year which saw them claim the Grand Slam in the Six Nations.

Kildunne was the top scorer in the 2024 edition, running in nine tries in just five games, and was subsequently named Player of the Tournament.

She began her rugby career in her hometown of Keighley, playing across both codes, for Keighley RUFC and Keighley Albion.