Ireland forward Aoife Wafer says Ellie Kildunne will be a “big miss” for Harlequins next season but is confident the England star will “make a huge impact wherever she goes next”.
Kildunne’s departure was announced by Quins last week, with the 2024 World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year admitting it was a “shock” to be released.
Wafer, who was named Women’s Six Nations Player of the Championship for 2026, paid tribute to her former team-mate who she said was “brilliant to have around the squad”.
While the Ireland star is at home in the back row, she feels her game has improved thanks to the influence of 26-year-old full-back Kildunne.
“I’ve learned a lot about how she sees space and attacks space,” Wafer told BBC Sport NI.
“She’s known for those line breaks, so [she’s helped me learn] that bit of footwork to avoid the collisions.
“She’s brilliant to have around, so she’s going to be a big miss and the best of luck to her wherever she goes next because I’m sure she’ll make a huge impact wherever she goes next.”
While Kildunne has departed Quins, the club have confirmed the arrival of two-time World Cup-winner Marlie Packer.
The 36-year-old arrives from Saracens and Wafer “can’t wait” to line up alongside the 2023 World Player of the Year in the back row.
“She’s incredibly experienced and is an incredible player who’s playing some of her best rugby,” Wafer said.
“I live with [fellow back row] Alex Callender and learning from her this year has been great to help me up my game to see how she goes about things on the field.
“You learn a lot about the people you play with and what they like to do and how they approach different skill-sets, so I’m just looking forward to learn from her and hopefully we all blend into a really good back row.”
