By Mathew Davies
Copyright walesonline
Ahead of England’s huge Rugby World Cup semi-final clash with France, bootmakers Canterbury have announced a world’s first collaboration with Red Roses star Ellie Kildunne. Kildunne has handed the tournament favourites a huge boost by returning from injury and she is expected to take her place in the starting XV against Les Bleus on Saturday. England’s world player of the year sustained a head injury in the final pool match against Australia and missed the quarter-final win over rivals Scotland. It is a huge fillip for head coach John Mitchell, who said: “We have a clean bill of health I think. Ellie is back running, back into collision work and she is going good.” Kildunne will take to the field wearing the limited edition, specially designed Speed Falcon – the first pair of togs made for a female player. It is an important milestone for the women’s game. Kildunne, Canterbury ambassador and current World Rugby Women’s Player of the Year, said: “This is a really proud moment for me, and I’m really pleased with what we’ve been able to deliver with this new boot, thanks to the Canterbury team. “Canterbury has always supported my creativity, and to have my own boot is something I’ve always dreamed of. I hope the fans like it, and we see a lot of players – both men and women – wearing the design for the upcoming season.” Simon Rowe, SVP of Canterbury of New Zealand, added: “We are incredibly excited to launch this world-first boot. Ellie is an absolute superstar and someone we are really proud to have as part of the Canterbury team. “We have no doubt that by creating this boot – the first boot ever designed by a female player – we will continue to inspire the next generation of female athletes, which is a priority objective for the brand for the coming years. “We cannot wait to see Ellie wear these for the first time, and the team have been working hard to ensure that these boots are fit for the best player in the world.” You can find the boots at this link .
