England star Ellie Kildun said she doesn’t feel safe just because she takes pride in their achievements after winning the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
The Red Rose placed the cherry on an astonishing opportunity at Twickenham on Saturday in Canada’s 33-13 Driving.
After England was late early, Kildonne, as she often did, began an afternoon on her side with sensational personal efforts, beating several defenders to score an opening try.
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It was the beginning of an onslaught from the red roses that dominated much of the match.
The victory concludes the three-year journey for many players, including Kildun, who was part of the side that lost the 2022 final in New Zealand. The loss to Black Ferne was the only loss in 63 games ahead of the clash with Canada.
Their advantage, as well as a massive financial investment from the RFU, and tournaments held in their hometown soil, contributed to their position as a massive favorite to win the competition this year.
She was asked if she was relieved that she had finally won the cup and completed what they were most looking forward to, Kildonne said:
“I’m excited about what comes for women’s rugby, but the pressure means people are being careful and you either set expectations that you need to meet, or people expect you to meet.
“I love the pressure. I love how people want to come and see us. I love how people expect me to play well, but I don’t feel safe.”
The English bus was welcomed by thousands of fans as they headed to the stadium, with 81,885 spectators watching at Twickenham.
Kildun said stepping into the stadium is a dream moment.
“I don’t think it’s going to sink for a long time,” Kildun said.
“I was so many in that moment, when we got off the bus and came on all the stairs, everyone was there.
“The last whi went, I started crying, I saw my mother and dad, they cried, which made me cry again.
“But it’s not that many people have the opportunity to feel, so it’s going to take a little while for this to sink, but now it’s about celebrating with the girls.”