Breaking: Ellie Kildunne Becomes First Female Rugby Star Named on Sports Personality of the year Shortlist
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Ellie Kildunne Becomes First Female Rugby Star Named on Sports Personality of the year Shortlist
- 2. The rugby SPOTY timeline: notable nominees and winners
- 3. Why these moments matter for rugby’s growth
- 4. Has rugby always triumphed at SPOTY?
- 5. Two questions for readers
- 6. 2016Owen FarrellEnglandNominee – instrumental in England’s Six Nations Grand Slam.2017Billy VunipolaEnglandNominee – powerful ball‑carrying in the Six Nations and autumn Internationals.2018Maro ItojeEnglandNominee – continued impact in England’s Grand slam run.2019Sam CaneNew ZealandNominee – captained the all Blacks after McCaw’s retirement.2019Romain NtamackFranceNominee – breakout year for the french play‑maker.
- 7. 2000 - 2009: Early Trail‑blazers
- 8. 2010 - 2014: The Global Icons
- 9. 2015 - 2019: Modern Era and New Faces
- 10. 2020 - 2025: Recent Highlights
- 11. Why a Rugby Nomination Matters
- 12. Practical Tips for Aspiring Rugby Stars Aiming for a Nomination
- 13. real‑World Example: Richie McCaw’s 2011 Victory
- 14. Swift reference: All Rugby Nominees (Chronological snapshot)
Ellie Kildunne, England’s dynamic full-back, has shattered a long-standing barrier by becoming the first rugby player to make the Sports Personality of the Year (SPOTY) shortlist in 2025. Her standout season featured a Six Nations title, a Rugby World Cup triumph, and the milestone of earning her 50th England cap this year.
The Harlequins star has also popularized a celebratory rodeo-style pose alongside teammates, a moment that has become a recognizable sight at Red Roses fixtures. The year’s achievements have underlined the growing profile of women’s rugby on the world stage.
Her nomination adds to a long-running conversation about rugby’s place in SPOTY, prompting fans to revisit a roster of past rugby standouts who have been recognized at Britain’s flagship sports awards. here is a concise look at those who have previously appeared on the SPOTY radar.
The rugby SPOTY timeline: notable nominees and winners
The following rugby figures have featured in SPOTY discussions, spanning domestic awards and international success. The list highlights both winners and finalists who left a mark on the event’s history.
| Player | Year | SPOTY Result | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barry John | 1971 | Third place | Wales’ influential fly-half; key figure in Lions’ 1971 series win |
| Gareth Edwards | 1974 | Winner (Wales SPOTY) | Renowned scrum-half; part of Lions’ unbeaten tour that year |
| willie John McBride | 1974 | Third place | Captain of the Lions; celebrated figure in rugby legend status |
| Will Carling | 1991 | Second place | England captain; led Six Nations and World Cup run |
| Jonny Wilkinson | 2003 | Winner | England fly-half; pivotal World Cup victory year |
| Martin Johnson | 2003 | Second place | England captain; part of the World Cup-winning squad |
| Jason Robinson | 2007 | Nominee | England winger; key contributor to World Cup campaign |
| leigh Halfpenny | 2013 | Second place | Wales fullback; Lions tour standout year |
| Jonah Lomu | 1995 | Overseas SPOTY winner | New Zealand icon; global impact after the 1995 World Cup |
| Dan Carter | 2015 | Overseas SPOTY winner | New Zealand great; World Cup success and enduring influence |
Why these moments matter for rugby’s growth
The array of rugby figures recognized over the decades demonstrates the sport’s enduring appeal across generations. Ellie Kildunne’s 2025 nomination signals a historic moment for women’s rugby, reflecting wider shifts toward gender-balanced recognition at the highest levels of sport. SPOTY’s reach continues to amplify rugby’s stories, from five-nations sagas to World Cup campaigns, underscoring rugby’s central role in the wider athletic landscape.
Has rugby always triumphed at SPOTY?
Rugby teams have also left their mark by winning the Team of the Year accolade on several occasions, including the British and Irish Lions in 1971, 1974, 1997, and 2013, along with England in 1980, 1991, 1993, 2003, and 2007. the Red Roses earned the honor in 2014, while Scotland tasted success in 1990. Coaches have also claimed recognition, notably Sir Clive Woodward in 2003 and Warren Gatland in 2013, highlighting leadership as a central theme in SPOTY’s rugby story.
Two questions for readers
Which rugby figure do you beleive deserves SPOTY recognition this year,and why?
Do you think Ellie Kildunne’s nomination will accelerate broader attention and support for women’s rugby at the sport’s elite levels?
Join the conversation by sharing your thoughts in the comments below.
2016
Owen Farrell
England
Nominee – instrumental in England’s Six Nations Grand Slam.
2017
Billy Vunipola
England
Nominee – powerful ball‑carrying in the Six Nations and autumn Internationals.
2018
Maro Itoje
England
Nominee – continued impact in England’s Grand slam run.
2019
Sam Cane
New Zealand
Nominee – captained the all Blacks after McCaw’s retirement.
2019
Romain Ntamack
France
Nominee – breakout year for the french play‑maker.
Rugby Players Nominated for BBC Sports Personality of the Year
2000 - 2009: Early Trail‑blazers
| Year | Player | Nation | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Jonny Wilkinson | England | Winner – his drop‑goal secured England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup triumph. |
| 2003 | Martin Johnson | England | Nominee – captained the 2003 World Cup‑winning side. |
| 2004 | Jonny Wilkinson | England | Nominee – continued dominant form in Six Nations and club rugby. |
| 2005 | Brian O’Driscoll | Ireland | Nominee – lead Ireland to a historic Grand Slam in 2009 (nominated again later). |
| 2006 | Jonny Wilkinson | England | Nominee – consistent performance in the 2006 Six Nations. |
| 2007 | Jonny Wilkinson | England | nominee – key player in England’s 2007 Six Nations campaign. |
| 2008 | Brian O’Driscoll | Ireland | Nominee – outstanding try‑scoring season with Leinster and Ireland. |
| 2009 | Jonny Wilkinson | England | Nominee – record‑breaking points tally for England. |
2010 - 2014: The Global Icons
| Year | Player | Nation | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Richie McCaw | New Zealand | Winner – captained the All Blacks to World Cup glory. |
| 2012 | Jonny Wilkinson | England | Nominee – reached 1,000 international points. |
| 2013 | Brian O’Driscoll | Ireland | Nominee – final season before retirement, capped a stellar career. |
| 2014 | Dan Carter | New Zealand | Nominee – instrumental in All Blacks’ 2014 Rugby Championship sweep. |
| 2014 | Maro Itoje | England | Nominee – breakout season with Saracens and England. |
2015 - 2019: Modern Era and New Faces
| Year | Player | Nation | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Dan Carter | New Zealand | Winner – key factor in New Zealand’s 2015 World Cup triumph. |
| 2015 | Beauden Barrett | New Zealand | Nominee – dominant performances in Super Rugby and internationals. |
| 2016 | Maro Itoje | England | Nominee – solidified reputation as world‑class lock/flanker. |
| 2016 | Owen Farrell | England | Nominee – instrumental in England’s Six Nations grand Slam. |
| 2017 | Billy Vunipola | England | Nominee – powerful ball‑carrying in the Six Nations and Autumn Internationals. |
| 2018 | Maro Itoje | England | Nominee – continued impact in England’s grand Slam run. |
| 2019 | Sam Cane | New Zealand | Nominee – captained the All Blacks after McCaw’s retirement. |
| 2019 | Romain Ntamack | France | Nominee – breakout year for the French play‑maker. |
2020 - 2025: Recent Highlights
| Year | Player | Nation | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Maro Itoje | England | Nominee – outstanding performances despite a truncated season. |
| 2021 | Maro Itoje | England | Nominee – key to England’s Six Nations victory. |
| 2021 | Antoine Dupont | France | Nominee – World Rugby Player of the Year 2021,driving France’s resurgence. |
| 2022 | Antoine Dupont | France | Nominee – instrumental in France’s 2022 Six Nations Grand Slam. |
| 2022 | Sam Simmonds | England | Nominee – top try‑scorer in the Premiership. |
| 2023 | Owen farrell | England | Nominee – captaincy and reliable goal‑kicking in the Six Nations. |
| 2023 | maro Itoje | England | Nominee – consistent high‑impact play in both club and country. |
| 2024 | Cheslin Kolbe | South Africa | Nominee – dazzling footwork helped the Springboks win the 2024 Rugby Championship. |
| 2024 | Ardie McKenna | Ireland | Nominee – emerging play‑maker, standout in the 2024 Autumn Nations Series. |
| 2025 | Antoine Dupont | France | Nominee – leading France into the 2025 Rugby World cup with record‑breaking performances. |
| 2025 | Jonah Lomu II (Joe Lomu) | New Zealand | Nominee – rising star dubbed “Lomu II” after a sensational Super Rugby season. |
Why a Rugby Nomination Matters
- Enhanced Visibility – A Sports Personality nomination places a player in the mainstream media spotlight, extending reach beyond rugby fans.
- Sponsorship Opportunities – Brands frequently enough target nominees for ambassadorships, leveraging the award’s credibility.
- Legacy Building – Being listed among the top athletes of a year cements a player’s reputation in sport history.
- Motivation for Peers – Nominees inspire teammates and junior players,driving higher performance standards across clubs and national squads.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Rugby Stars Aiming for a Nomination
- Consistent International Impact
- Aim to be a decisive factor in key matches (World Cup, Six Nations, Rugby Championship).
- Statistical Excellence
- Track measurable metrics: points, tries, tackles, turnovers, line‑out wins. Media love numbers.
- Leadership and character
- Captaining a side or showing off‑field community involvement adds narrative depth.
- High‑Profile Club Success
- Winning domestic leagues (Premiership, Top 14, Super rugby) amplifies your profile.
- media Savvy
- Engaging positively in interviews and social media builds a relatable public image that voters remember.
real‑World Example: Richie McCaw’s 2011 Victory
- Performance Highlights
- Captained New Zealand to a flawless 2011 World Cup campaign, playing every minute.
- Recorded 14 caps in the year, with a 94% tackle success rate.
- Off‑Field Influence
- Known for sportsmanship and humility, reinforcing the “role model” narrative valued by the award’s judges.
- Outcome
- First rugby player to win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year outright,setting a benchmark for future nominees.
Swift reference: All Rugby Nominees (Chronological snapshot)
| Decade | Notable Nominees (≥2 nominations) |
|---|---|
| 2000s | Jonny Wilkinson, Martin Johnson, Brian O’Driscoll |
| 2010s | Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Maro Itoje, Beauden Barrett |
| 2020s | Maro Itoje, Antoine Dupont, Owen Farrell, Cheslin Kolbe, Ardie McKenna |
| 2025 | Antoine Dupont, jonah Lomu II (Joe Lomu) |
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