Barbie Honors Rugby’s Global Star Players With New Dolls
Launching dolls of Ellie Kildunne, Ilona Maher, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe and Narissa Konde.
Mattel just launched Team Barbie, transforming four pro rugby players into one-of-a-kind dolls in a celebration of women’s sports, visibility, unwavering power and confidence for International Day of the Girl.
In September, England lifted the World Cup trophy on home soil after a 33-13 victory against Canada in front of more than 80,000 fans at the Allianz Stadium. The match made history with a record-breaking audience of 5.8 million viewers tuning in to watch the win, not only marking the most-watched women’s rugby union match ever on UK Television, but also the most-watched rugby match of the year, of both men’s and women’s games. The record-breaking teammates are now sports superstars, with one of the players, Ellie Kildunne, honored with her very own Barbie doll. Alongside Kildunne are American Ilona Maher, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe from New Zealand and Narissa Konde from France.
“I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I’m not afraid to say it. If sharing my story can inspire other young girls to believe in themselves the way I have, then I’ll have truly made an impact,” shares Ilona Maher, Professional US Rugby Player. Krista Berger, Senior VP of Barbie, adds, “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.”
Studies have found that one in three girls drops out of a sport by age 14, often because of body confidence or a lack of role models. This campaign plays an important part in amplifying voices and showing girls that strength is something to be proud of. The new class of Team Barbie is part of a wider initiative by Mattel, encouraging girls in the future of sports, knowing that they need cheering on, too. Launched for International Day of the Girl on October 11, the figurines are just one small part of our changing sports landscape and a way we can spotlight the incredible achievements of women.
The dolls will be available to buy via the Mattel website in 2026.
In other news, check out all the athletes we spotted at fashion week.
