England rugby union player Ellie Kildunne has publicly discussed her struggle with body dysmorphia and disordered eating during the COVID-19 lockdown period. The 26-year-old, who played a pivotal role in England’s 2022 Rugby World Cup victory by scoring five tries in the tournament, including a key solo effort in the final against Canada at Twickenham, revealed how the isolation affected her mental health and relationship with food.

During the pandemic, Kildunne described a cycle of unhealthy weight loss and distorted self-image. She explained that without the support system of her team environment—coaches, physios, and teammates—she found herself fixating on becoming smaller despite already being considered small in rugby circles. “Body dysmorphia is such a funny thing, because I would have been small but I would see myself as bigger in the mirror,” Kildunne said, reflecting on her experience. She noted the disconnect between how she was perceived within rugby and outside of it, saying she struggled to find a place where she felt comfortable or accepted.

In 2020, Kildunne was preparing for the Tokyo Olympics as part of Great Britain’s sevens squad before the Games were postponed to 2021 due to the pandemic. Her turning point came during an emotional conversation with England physio Emily Ross, in which she opened up about her health challenges. She acknowledged the importance of admitting the issue aloud, stating that doing so helped establish accountability even though recognizing the problem initially felt difficult.

Currently playing as full-back for Harlequins, Kildunne’s career highlights include being named World Player of the Year in 2024 and finishing runner-up to golfer Rory McIlroy for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award. Her form remains strong, contributing to England’s 33-12 victory over Ireland in the opening match of the 2026 Women’s Six Nations with a try.

Although Kildunne says she no longer has a “bad relationship” with food, she adds that maintaining a healthy mindset remains an ongoing process. Her openness sheds light on the mental health challenges faced by elite athletes, particularly during periods of isolation or disruption.