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When the game concluded, a wave of relief swept through. Before a historic audience, she embraced her Red Roses colleague Lucy Packer and only then realised that the her side had claimed the Rugby World Cup. The clash with Canada had been so “gruelling,” Kabeya found it difficult to accept they were global titleholders until she the final signal came. “It was amazing,” Kabeya says. “The final whistle was a lot of ease, a opportunity to relax and then: ‘Wow, we’ve accomplished it.’”

England’s victory concluded a dominant three years, a 33-game winning run, but the wider effect is what Kabeya remembers most. Notably, stepping off the squad vehicle to be met with throngs of fans and the cheers from over 81,000 spectators after the anthems.

“I struggle to put it into words,” the 23-year-old flanker says. “The team procession was spectacular, a once in a lifetime experience. Just to witness the incredible backing, the mix of people – households, people who are younger, elderly, numerous guys in the stands – it was immense. I definitely have to watch videos back to experience it again because I believe I didn’t fully absorb it because I was a bit in amazement.

“You glance around and you see everyone in the stands. I recall people gesturing and being like: ‘See that.’ It was crazy. I quickly pulled out my phone, I was like: ‘I have to record this.’”

If Kabeya was provided lasting recollections then she also created memories for supporters, with a award-winning match effort guiding her team to a 33-13 win. Thousands sang her now-familiar chant at the post-victory event the following day, when the “celebratory tune” was initiated by her England teammate Hannah Botterman. These are all moments she did not comprehend could be a actuality a decade ago.

Kabeya first started playing rugby about 15 miles south-east of Twickenham, at the her school in Croydon, south London. First participating with boys, she was motivated by an instructor and former England prop Bryony Cleall to pursue the sport. When she joined her first club, outside her home area, she felt she had to adjust her identity to fit in.

“It was in a different area, which is a predominantly white area,” Kabeya says. “I was inexperienced and I aimed to blend in so culturally I changed the songs I enjoyed, my way of talking. I no longer talk like I did when I was in high school but I was a proper south London girl when I came to Richmond and I kind of wanted to change that and conceal my true identity.

“It’s only as I have progressed in rugby and found those with shared experiences and have helped me rediscover myself that I am embracing my identity. I am true to who I am.”

Alongside inspiring the next generation, Kabeya has designed gear which will remove more barriers preventing participation. Collaborating with a partner, she has produced a unique rugby cap to shield different styles from friction, irritation and damage.

“It’s been a development because we had to source suitable fabric with how it can work and be breathable still as it has to be something you can wear in rugby, where you’re losing fluids and facing physical demands but also keeping your hair safe.

“A scrum cap is something that has been in use for ages, it’s not a novel invention. But to add this layer, it is such a minor adjustment but it can have significant impact. In my younger days I used to use makeshift protection because I didn’t want to get my hair messy but I enjoyed the game so it wasn't an issue.

I was a typical resident when I joined the club and I felt the need to adjust and suppress myself

“However, for some girls that would be it. It would be: ‘I’m avoiding participation because I prefer to avoid damage, I don’t want to have breakage.’ To have equipment that encourages participation or welcome additional athletes is important.”

The completion of the competition has been successful for the athlete. Her upcoming international matches will be in the Six Nations in next season, while in the meantime her attention turns to the upcoming Premiership Women’s Rugby season for her club, Loughborough Lightning. In the three years between the last two World Cups, she found it far from easy, dealing with setbacks and a “mental dip” during the 2025 Six Nations: “I entered believing: ‘Oh I’ll be alright, I’ll be able to handle it.’

“I think the worse it got off pitch, the more it affected her performance. 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. Whereas now, having the resources and professionals I can rely on as opposed to reacting to issues is significant.”