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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”.<\/b><\/p>\n
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”<\/a> to be released.<\/p>\n 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”.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n “I’ve learned a lot about how she sees space and attacks space,” Wafer told BBC Sport NI.<\/p>\n “She’s known for those line breaks, so [she’s helped me learn] that bit of footwork to avoid the collisions.<\/p>\n “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.”<\/p>\n