The ending of a year, for most people, means a time of reflection.

And Ellie Kildunne certainly has plenty of achievements to reflect on as she looks forward to 2018, a year that will no doubt be full of sporting achievements.

One of Ellie’s highlights from the past 12 months was starting for England against Canada at Twickenham Stoop in the Old Mutual Wealth series.

“I’ve never experienced anything like it, it was amazing to be representing my country on that platform,” says Ellie, a full-back.

“It was nerve-wracking but in an exciting way. I want to experience it all again.”

Ellie, who plays for Gloucester-Hartpury, has plenty of rugby experience under her belt even though she is still a teenager.

“I am originally from Yorkshire and started playing in a boys’ team at the age of six,” says the 18-year-old.

“I left them at the age of 13 though because the code meant I couldn’t play with the boys anymore. I had to take a year out of rugby because there weren’t enough girls’ teams.

“I’m now at Hartpury College doing my A-levels and this is my first season playing with Gloucester-Hartpury Women. Playing rugby round here has really helped me.”

England proved much too strong for Canada in the autumn and Ellie was certainly to the forefront, coming off the bench in one game to score a try and getting another two touchdowns when she started the next game.

And while that was good – very good in fact – there looks certain to be plenty more good times for Ellie, who is also a very good sevens player.

“I aim to become the best I can be as a player,” she says. “I am going to try and take all the opportunities rugby offers me. I would also love to play in the Six Nations and travel around the world with rugby.”

So, why does Ellie love the sport so much?

“I love the overall atmosphere both when playing and during down-time,” she says.

“I have the best people around me and I can build friendships with people no matter what age they are. I get on with 30-year-olds!

“I just can’t compare it to anything else.”