Imagine standing in front of a roaring crowd, realizing you’ve just won the Rugby World Cup – a moment that changes everything. For Sadia Kabeya, this wasn’t just a victory on the field; it was a triumph of identity, representation, and breaking barriers. But here’s where it gets personal: Kabeya’s journey to becoming a world champion was as much about finding herself as it was about lifting the trophy.
When the final whistle blew against Canada, Kabeya’s relief was palpable. Amid the chaos of England’s 33-13 win, she shared a heartfelt embrace with teammate Lucy Packer, finally grasping the magnitude of their achievement. ‘It was surreal,’ Kabeya recalls. ‘The relief of that whistle, followed by the realization that we’d actually done it – it’s a moment I’ll never forget.’
England’s three-year dominance, marked by a 33-game winning streak, is impressive, but it’s the off-field moments that Kabeya cherishes most. Picture this: stepping off the team bus to be greeted by thousands of fans, or hearing the deafening roar of 81,885 supporters at Twickenham. ‘The diversity in the crowd was incredible,’ she says. ‘Families, young kids, older fans, men and women – it was a testament to how far the sport has come.’ And this is the part most people miss: Kabeya admits she was so overwhelmed, she had to film the scene just to process it later.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Kabeya’s rise to stardom wasn’t without its challenges. Growing up in Croydon, south London, she initially played rugby alongside boys, encouraged by her PE teacher, former England prop Bryony Cleall. However, when she joined her first club in Richmond, a predominantly white area, she felt pressured to suppress her identity. ‘I changed the music I listened to, even the way I spoke,’ she admits. ‘I wanted to fit in, but it came at the cost of losing parts of myself.’ It wasn’t until she met other players who looked like her that she truly felt empowered to embrace her roots. ‘Now, I’m unapologetically myself,’ she declares.
Kabeya’s impact extends beyond the pitch. Alongside her stellar performance in the final, she’s developed a game-changing product: a satin scrum cap designed to protect diverse hair types from friction and damage. ‘It’s such a small innovation, but it could keep so many girls in the sport,’ she explains. ‘I remember playing with a plastic bag on my head in school just to protect my hair. For some, that’s a deal-breaker.’ Bold question: Could something as simple as a scrum cap be the key to making rugby more inclusive?
As Kabeya looks ahead to the Six Nations and the Premiership Women’s Rugby season with Loughborough Lightning, she reflects on her journey with humility. Injuries and a ‘mental dip’ during the 2025 Six Nations taught her the importance of prioritizing mental health. ‘In sport, we often wait until we hit rock bottom to seek help,’ she says. ‘Now, I have the resources to stay ahead of the curve.’
Kabeya’s story isn’t just about winning; it’s about representation, resilience, and redefining what it means to belong. So, here’s the question for you: How can we ensure that sports like rugby become truly inclusive, both on and off the field? Share your thoughts below – let’s spark a conversation!
