Red Roses and Harlequins women's rugby player, Ellie Kildunne, is one of four rugby stars that has been honoured as a Barbie role model with a one-of-a-kind doll in a bid to inspire girls into sport.

The news follows the Red Roses' victory at the women's rugby World Cup final in Twickenham at the end of September.

Kildunne was was selected along with three other international players Ilona Maher (US) Portia Woodman-Wickliffe (NZ) and Nassira Konde (France).

Mattel has chosen four female rugby players to be honoured with their own one-of-akind Barbie dolls (Credit: Mattel Inc)

Toy giant, Mattel, announced yesterday (Monday, 6 October) that Barbie is celebrating International Day of the Girl by introducing Team Barbie – a coalition of four powerful role models and professional rugby players from across the globe to encourage girls to own their confidence proudly.

The brand is honouring these incredible athletes who recognise and harness their own power with one-of-a-kind dolls made in their likeness because Barbie knows if you can see it, you can be it.

Mattel says: "Team Barbie isn't afraid to boldly wear their confidence – in fact, it's their deep understanding of who they are and what they're capable of that propels them forward.

"The women of Team Barbie are dedicated to believing in their abilities, even when competing in a sport often regarded as a male-dominated field. With Barbie, they're on a mission to encourage young girls to do the same."

Krista Berger, Senior Vice President of Barbie, Mattel, added: "At Barbie, we believe that girls can be, and do, anything.

"We're committed to breaking down the barriers – from gender stereotypes to self-doubt – that hold girls back from realizing their limitless potential.

"By showcasing the stories of incredible role models whose confidence has fueled groundbreaking success, we're showing girls that the future of sports – or wherever their passion takes them – is theirs to claim, with Team Barbie cheering them on."

Mattel describes Kildunne as a "Key member of England Rugby's Red Roses team, World Champion, 2024 World Rugby Player of the Year and trailblazer in the rise in interest in women's rugby".

Speaking about the honour, Kildunne said: "It's been such an incredible year for women's sport in England, and I'm so proud of what the Red Roses have achieved; we are showing the next generation of girls that you can do anything, that being strong and fast is powerful, and that you can break boundaries.

"I thought nothing could come close to the feeling of lifting that trophy but having my own one-of-a-kind Barbie doll is a very close second."