FORMER Keighley RUFC junior Ellie Kildunne says scoring for England was "surreal" as she looks to build on a promising start to her international career.

The 18-year-old made her mark for her country against Canada in the three-match Old Mutual Wealth Test series last month, claiming four tries.

"Scoring for England was very surreal. I don't feel like it actually happened yet," she admitted.

"Although I felt really nervous before the first match the team made me feel so comfortable, so that took away the nerves and it still excites me now."

Kildunne scored a try in the first Test win – a 79-5 hammering at Allianz Park – after coming off the bench and then registered two more when she made her full international debut, playing at full back, in the 49-12 second Test victory at Twickenham Stoop.

The former Woodhouse Grove pupil then scored another try off the bench as the hosts completed a 3-0 whitewash at England headquarters with a 69-19 win.

Having been among ten new faces, she was delighted with the way her team-mates helped her integrate into the squad.

She said: "The team were great. I didn't really know them but we bonded so much. Although I'm the youngest on the team the older girls kept me in check and were able to help me a lot.

"I felt really new to whatever was going on and they backed me with every decision I made on and off the pitch, as well as giving general support. They wanted me to be me and to see what I can do independently.

"When it came to the last match at Twickenham I was already surprised with how much I had played in the previous matches. I'm constantly surprised about how much they back me and the support I get.

"I ended up making a mistake but from that I've learnt not to do it again and that's what game-time does. It gives you knowledge in situations that I wouldn't get anywhere else. If I'm training and playing well, that will give me the best advantage next year for England."

Kildunne's promising performances will have put her in contention for the Women's Six Nations in early 2018.

She is also enjoying playing for Gloucester-Hartpury in the Tyrrells Premier 15s League, having moved south where she is currently studying for her A-Levels.

Kildunne said: "I'm now in my second year of A-Levels and next year I want to go to university but also carry on with what I'm doing in rugby. I'd really like to get involved with the sevens."