Picture this: A young athlete bursting out of her shell on the grandest stage, surrounded by cheers that echo her own transformation. It's a story of triumph, not just on the pitch, but in embracing who you truly are amidst a sea of supporters. Sadia Kabeya's journey from feeling out of place to becoming a world champion is proof that sports can be a powerful force for change. But here's where it gets really interesting: How one player's personal growth sparked innovations that could open doors for countless others. And this is the part most people miss—it's not just about the game; it's about belonging.
As the final whistle pierced the air at the Rugby World Cup, a wave of relief flooded over Sadia Kabeya. There, in front of an unprecedented crowd, she embraced her England teammate Lucy Packer, and only then did it sink in: The Red Roses had clinched the victory against Canada. The match had been so intensely demanding that Kabeya struggled to process their championship status until that iconic sound. 'It was incredible,' she reflects. 'That full-time whistle brought such sweet relief, a moment to exhale deeply and then think: "Wow, we've actually achieved this."'
This win marked the pinnacle of a remarkable three-year streak, with England racking up 33 straight victories. Yet, for Kabeya, the memories off the field linger strongest. She vividly recalls stepping off the team bus into a welcoming throng of fans and the thunderous applause from the 81,885 people packed into Twickenham stadium right after the national anthems.
'I can't even put it into words,' the 23-year-old flanker shares. 'That entrance was unforgettable, a truly once-in-a-lifetime event. Witnessing the sheer volume of backing, the incredible variety among the crowd—families of all ages, younger folks, older supporters, even plenty of men turning out—it was overwhelming. I know I'll have to revisit the videos later because I was too stunned to fully absorb it in the moment.
'Gazing up at everyone in the stands, I spotted fans pointing excitedly, urging us to look. It felt surreal. I whipped out my phone right away, thinking, 'I have to capture this on video.''
Kabeya didn't just soak in lifelong memories; she created them for others too. Her standout performance as player of the final helped England secure a convincing 33-13 win over Canada. The next day, at the celebratory party held at Battersea Power Station, thousands joined in the now-signature chant, with her teammate Hannah Botterman leading the 'Do, do, do Sadia Kabeya' chorus. These are highlights she never dreamed possible just a decade earlier.
Kabeya's rugby roots trace back to about 15 miles southeast of Twickenham, at the Harris City Academy in Croydon, south London. Starting out playing with the boys, she received encouragement from her PE teacher and former England prop Bryony Cleall to keep going. But when she moved to her first club outside south London, in Richmond—a largely white neighborhood—she felt compelled to alter aspects of her identity to blend in.
'It was in Richmond, a mostly white community,' she explains. 'I was young and eager to belong on the team, so I tweaked my music choices and even my way of speaking. I don't talk like I did back in secondary school; I was a true south London girl then, but in Richmond, I found myself suppressing that side of me.
'It's only through my journey in rugby, meeting others who resemble me and drawing me back out, that I've rediscovered my authentic self. Now, I'm fully me.'
But here's where it gets controversial: Is it fair that athletes, especially from diverse backgrounds, feel pressured to conform to fit into sports environments? Many argue this cultural suppression hinders inclusivity, while others might say it's just part of adapting to team dynamics. What do you think—should clubs do more to celebrate individuality from the start?
Beyond inspiring future generations, Kabeya has pioneered a solution to break down entry barriers in the sport. Collaborating with her sponsor Gilbert, she developed a satin scrum cap designed to safeguard various hair types from friction, rubbing, and drying out. For beginners, a scrum cap is a protective head covering worn during rugby scrums to prevent injuries, and this version adds breathability for comfort during intense play.
'Developing it was a journey,' she says. 'We needed the perfect fabric that stays breathable while handling sweat and heavy exertion, all while shielding hair effectively.
'A scrum cap isn't a new invention; it's been around for ages. But adding this protective element? It's a tiny detail that can create a massive impact. Back in secondary school, I'd wrap my head in a plastic bag to keep my hair tidy because I adored the sport and didn't mind the hassle. For some girls, though, that could be the deal-breaker—they'd opt out entirely to avoid damage or breakage. Having a proper tool to keep players engaged or attract new ones is game-changing.'
The close of this World Cup era has been triumphant for Kabeya. Her next outing in an England jersey awaits in the women's Six Nations in April, with her club commitments to Loughborough Lightning in the upcoming Premiership Women's Rugby season keeping her busy in the meantime. The three years since the last World Cup weren't smooth sailing; she battled injuries and hit a low point mentally during the 2025 Six Nations. 'I entered thinking I'd just push through,' she admits.
'But as things worsened off the field, they deteriorated on it too. Eventually, I took a step back, sought help from the right professionals, and worked on my mindset to prepare for the World Cup. In sports, we often wait until we're at our lowest before taking action. Now, with consistent support and resources, I can address issues before they escalate—that's invaluable.'
And this is the part most people miss: Mental health in elite sports is a hot topic. Some believe athletes should tough it out, viewing vulnerability as weakness, while others, like Kabeya, advocate for proactive support. Do we need more open conversations in sports about mental well-being? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree that early intervention is key, or is there a counterpoint here?
