Scintillating Kildunne shines for England as they run riot over USA in Rugby World Cup opener

There was a showbiz start with the opening ceremony including pop star Anne-Marie but it was clear who the rugby superstar was with a huge cheer for Ilona Maher, the USA outside centre and the most followed rugby player on social media, when the teams were announced but England’s Kildunne also registered deafening applause.

ELECTRIC: England full-back Ellie Kildunne lit up the Stadium of Light with a scintillating performance for England in the opening game of the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup. Pic: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images

Women's Rugby World Cup: England 67 USA 7

Outside chatter of a Rugby World Cup favourites tag and expectations on a team can only go so far, the Red Roses had to go out and prove it on the pitch. The host nation more than lived up to their hype as they kicked off their campaign in front of a record crowd for an opening game at a women’s World Cup with a hugely dominant display against the USA which has underlined their ambitions for the World Cup crown.