Imagine the thrill of holding a Rugby World Cup trophy aloft, surrounded by roaring fans, only to realize that the real victory lies in discovering your true self amidst the chaos of competition. This is the heart-pounding story of Sadia Kabeya, whose journey from a shy south London girl to a world champion not only redefined her life but also challenged the barriers that keep so many from joining the sport. It's a tale of triumph, identity, and innovation that begs us to ask: How many hidden talents are we losing because sports don't adapt to everyone? But here's where it gets controversial – is it fair that athletes have to change who they are just to fit in?
When the final whistle echoed through Twickenham Stadium, a wave of relief flooded over Sadia Kabeya. Facing a massive crowd, she embraced her England teammate Lucy Packer, and it finally sank in: the Red Roses had clinched the Rugby World Cup. The showdown against Canada had been intensely tough, so much so that Kabeya struggled to grasp their championship status until that piercing sound signaled the end. 'It was incredible,' she reflects. 'The full-time whistle brought such sweet relief, a moment to exhale, and then: "Wow, we've achieved it."'
England's success highlighted a stunning three-year streak of 33 straight wins, but for Kabeya, the memories off the field stand out most vividly. Picture this: stepping off the team bus to a sea of enthusiastic supporters and the thunderous applause from an astonishing 81,885 fans at Twickenham, right after the national anthems.
'I can't even put it into words,' shares the 23-year-old flanker. 'The entrance onto the pitch was breathtaking, a once-in-a-lifetime thrill. Witnessing such overwhelming support, the incredible mix of people – families, young and old, even plenty of men turning out for the match – it was monumental. I'll definitely revisit the videos to relive it because I was too stunned to fully absorb it in the moment.
Lifting your gaze to the packed stands, I recall everyone gesturing excitedly: 'Look up there!' It was utterly surreal. I whipped out my phone right away, thinking, 'I've got to capture this on video.''
Kabeya didn't just etch these memories into her mind; she created unforgettable ones for the fans too. Her standout player-of-the-final performance was pivotal in securing England's 33-13 win over Canada. The next day, at the Battersea Power Station celebrations, thousands chanted her signature tune, 'Do, do, do Sadia Kabeya,' led by her teammate Hannah Botterman. These are milestones she never imagined possible just a decade earlier.
Her rugby roots trace back to a school 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 dive deeper into the game. But when she switched to her first club outside south London, in Richmond – a mostly white neighborhood – she felt compelled to alter aspects of her identity to blend in.
'It was in Richmond, a place with a predominantly white demographic,' Kabeya explains. 'I was young and eager to belong with the team, so I adjusted my music tastes and even my way of speaking. I no longer talk like I did back in secondary school; I was a true south London girl then, but in Richmond, I felt the need to tone that down and hide parts of myself.
It's only as I've progressed in rugby and connected with others who share my background that I've gradually rediscovered my authentic self. Now, I can finally be me.'
And this is the part most people miss – the subtle yet profound impact of representation in sports. Seeing athletes like her can inspire a new wave of players, but what if the game itself isn't welcoming? Kabeya is tackling this head-on by designing a product to lower those hurdles. Teaming up with her sponsor Gilbert, she's crafted a satin scrum cap that shields various hair types from the wear and tear of the sport. For beginners wondering, a scrum cap is a head covering worn in rugby to protect hair and scalp during intense scrums and tackles, where players push against each other fiercely.
'Developing it was a journey,' she says. 'We experimented with fabrics to ensure it's breathable, crucial for a high-energy sport like rugby where you're drenched in sweat and exerting yourself intensely, while still safeguarding your hair.
Scrum caps have existed for ages, so it's not groundbreaking on its own. But adding this protective element? It's a tiny tweak that can create enormous change. Back in secondary school, I played with a plastic bag over my hair to avoid tangling it, but I loved the game so much it didn't faze me.
However, for many girls, that could be the deal-breaker. They'd say, 'Forget it, I'm not playing if it means damaging my hair or risking breakage.' Providing a better alternative could keep players engaged or even draw new ones in – that's a game-changer.'
Kabeya's World Cup victory marks a golden chapter, with her next England cap coming in the Women's Six Nations in April. Meanwhile, she'll focus on the upcoming Premiership Women's Rugby season for her club, Loughborough Lightning. The three years between World Cups weren't smooth sailing, though; she battled injuries and a 'mental slump' during the 2025 Six Nations. 'I walked in assuming I'd breeze through,' she admits.
'But when things deteriorated off the pitch, it spilled onto the field too. I had to step away, seek help, and consult the right experts to restore my mental clarity for the World Cup. In sports, we often wait until we're at our lowest before taking action. Yet now, with ongoing support and trusted people I can turn to regularly, instead of hitting a wall first, it's transformative.'
This narrative shines a light on the evolving face of women's rugby, where diversity and mental health are becoming central. But let's stir the pot: Some might argue that athletes should toughen up and adapt without external aids like specialized gear – is that holding them back or building resilience? Or, does the pressure to 'fit in' reflect deeper societal issues in sports culture? What do you think – should more emphasis be placed on inclusivity tools, or do players need to prioritize personal grit? Share your thoughts in the comments; do you agree that representation changes everything, or is there a counterpoint I'm missing?
