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When the game concluded, Sadia Kabeya felt immense relief. Before a historic audience, she celebrated with fellow player Lucy Packer and only then realised that the her side had claimed the Rugby World Cup. The championship match versus Canada had been so “gruelling,” Kabeya found it tough to comprehend they were international winners until she the whistle blew. “It was incredible,” Kabeya says. “The full-time whistle was a lot of comfort, a opportunity to relax and then: ‘Wow, we’ve done it.’”

England’s success capped a lengthy winning streak, a 33-game winning run, but the wider effect is what Kabeya cherishes deeply. Notably, getting off the team bus to be welcomed by massive crowds and the applause from the packed stadium after the anthems.

“I can’t even explain it,” the England star says. “The stadium entrance was unforgettable, a rare opportunity. Just to see the amount of support, the variety present – families, people who are more youthful, elderly, numerous guys in the stands – it was immense. I definitely have to watch videos back to experience it again because I feel I missed some of it because I was a bit in amazement.

“You glance around and you see everyone in the stands. I think of the pointing fingers and being like: ‘See that.’ It was crazy. I got my phone out immediately, I was like: ‘I need to film this.’”

If Kabeya was granted unforgettable moments then she also created memories for supporters, with a player-of-the-final performance steering England to their 33-13 victory. Fans voiced her now-familiar chant at the title-winning party the next day, when the “Do, do, do Sadia Kabeya” chorus was led by her England teammate Hannah Botterman. These are all events she never imagined could be a reality a in her younger days.

Kabeya first started playing rugby about 15 miles south-east of Twickenham, at the her school in the London borough of Croydon. First participating with boys, she was supported by her coach and ex-international player Bryony Cleall to follow her passion. When she joined her first club, outside her home area, she felt she had to adjust her identity to fit in.

“It was in another part of town, which is a mostly white community,” Kabeya says. “I was inexperienced and I wanted to fit into the team so I adjusted my habits what music I was listening to, my way of talking. I no longer talk like I did when I was in my teens but I was a typical resident when I came to Richmond and I attempted to suppress that and hold back.

“It’s only as I have gone along in the sport and connected with similar individuals and have encouraged my authentic personality that I am discovering my true self. I am myself now.”

In addition to motivating young players, Kabeya has created an item which will eliminate obstacles preventing participation. Teaming up with a brand, she has developed a specialized headgear to protect a range of hair types from rubbing, irritation and damage.

“It’s been a process because we had to find the right material with how it can perform without causing discomfort as it has to be suitable for athletic use, where you’re losing fluids and undergoing intense activity but also protecting your hair.

“A rugby headgear is something that has been in use for ages, it’s not a revolutionary idea. But to incorporate this element, it is such a minor adjustment but it can have significant impact. In high school I used to use makeshift protection because I aimed to maintain my hairstyle but I was passionate about rugby so it wasn't an issue.

I was a true local when I moved to the area and I attempted to suppress that and suppress myself

“However, for some girls that would be the end. It would be: ‘I’m avoiding participation because I don’t want to do that to my hair, I aim to maintain health.’ To have something that could keep people in the game or welcome additional athletes is significant.”

The conclusion of the tournament has been successful for the athlete. Her future games for the national team will be in the international tournament in next season, while in the meantime her priorities include the next club competition for her club, Loughborough Lightning. In the time before the championship, she found it rather difficult, experiencing injuries and a “psychological challenge” during the recent tournament: “I started assuming: ‘Oh I’ll be fine, I’ll be able to handle it.’

“I think the more difficult things became outside rugby, the poorer she played. I was willing to take time and put in the effort and consult professionals to get myself in the best head space for a World Cup. I think, particularly in athletics, you frequently postpone action to attempt to make changes. But today, utilizing available help and professionals I can rely on as opposed to reacting to issues is important.”