The 2024 World Rugby ladies’s participant of the yr maintained her spectacular type all through final yr, however missed the World Cup quarter-final victory over Scotland after sustaining a concussion in England’s closing pool-stage win over Australia.
Kildunne, who departed shortly after half-time, had struggled towards the Wallaroos and made a lot of uncharacteristic errors.
She was recalled for the semi-final towards France and scored twice – together with one other exceptional solo strive – to banish any doubts over her type earlier than the ultimate.
“I look back at moments in that World Cup, and I probably didn’t have my best game against Australia for quite a few reasons,” Kildunne mentioned.
“Then, obviously, I got concussed, which added the pressure back on. Am I going to get back? Am I getting back for a semi-final, or am I going to get back for a final? We needed to see how far we’d get in the tournament.
“I do not crumble beneath that strain – I sort of rise to it, and that is solely due to the individuals round me.
“That’s not something, yes, there is probably something genetically inside my brain and my heart that weirdly loves that type of thing.”
Harlequins sit 4 factors off the play-off spots within the Premiership Women’s Rugby desk, with Kildunne rediscovering her drive for achievement.
More than 70,000 tickets have been offered for the Red Roses’ opening Six Nations recreation towards Ireland at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.
Kildunne mentioned it might be “very special” to return to symbolize England on the venue the place she received the World Cup.
In December, the full-back helped Quins defeat Bristol Bears at Allianz Stadium, scoring one other particular person strive on her return to the house of English rugby.
An eighth straight title would be the aim for John Mitchell’s facet this marketing campaign, however Kildunne is wanting past that – and utilizing the 2029 World Cup in Australia as motivation.
“I still want to be the best player in the world and to keep on playing my rugby,” she added. “I want to win another World Cup. I want to win a Prem. There is so much I still want to do.”
