Barbie is marking International Day of the Girl (11 October) by unveiling Team Barbie, a new line-up of inspiring professional rugby players from around the world, including England's own Ellie Kildunne.

The global initiative by Mattel celebrates four women at the top of their game with one-of-a-kind Barbie dolls made in their likeness, shining a light on their achievements both on and off the pitch.

The Team Barbie line-up

• Ellie Kildunne (UK) – England Rugby's Red Roses star, World Champion and 2024 World Rugby Player of the Year.
• Ilona Maher (US) – Olympic medallist and body positivity advocate known for challenging stereotypes.
• Portia Woodman-Wickliffe (New Zealand) – Two-time Olympic and World Champion, famous for her record-breaking performances.
• Nassira Konde (France) – Olympic medallist and rising talent, championing inclusion and ambition.

Each athlete has been recognised for using their confidence, skill and resilience to break barriers in what remains a traditionally male-dominated sport.

Barbie says Team Barbie aims to show young girls that they can be anything they want to be on the field, in the classroom, or beyond.

Krista Berger, Senior Vice President of Barbie, said: "We're committed to breaking down the barriers – from gender stereotypes to self-doubt – that hold girls back from realising their limitless potential.

"By sharing the stories of these incredible role models, we're showing girls that the future of sports – or wherever their passion takes them – is theirs to claim."

Ellie Kildunne's doll features her signature curly hair and nose piercing (credit: Mattel).

Kildunne's inclusion celebrates her impact as one of the UK's most recognisable and successful women in sport, inspiring a new generation of rugby fans and players.

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The campaign follows new research by Barbie across the UK, US, France and New Zealand, which found that one in three girls disengages from sport by the age of 14, often due to body confidence issues, self-doubt, or a lack of visible role models.

It also revealed that only 53% of girls aged 6–14 feel confident while playing sport, and nearly half of parents said that more positive female role models would help their daughters stay involved for longer.

In response, Mattel will make donations to girls' sports organisations in all four countries to support programmes that help build confidence, leadership and ambition.

Barbie says the new dolls and campaign will continue the brand's long-standing mission to "help girls see themselves in every possibility."

READ MORE: Red Roses crowned world champions after record-breaking win in Twickenham.

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