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As the game concluded, Sadia Kabeya felt immense relief. In front of a record crowd, she hugged her England teammate Lucy Packer and then understood that the her side had claimed the Rugby World Cup. The final against Canada had been so “demanding,” Kabeya found it tough to comprehend they were international winners until she the final signal came. “It was amazing,” Kabeya says. “The full-time whistle was a lot of comfort, a moment to exhale and then: ‘Wow, we’ve accomplished it.’”

England’s success topped off a lengthy winning streak, a unbeaten streak of 33 matches, but the off-field impact is what Kabeya cherishes deeply. In particular, stepping off the squad vehicle to be greeted by thousands of supporters and the cheers from over 81,000 spectators after the anthems.

“I can’t even explain it,” 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 – parents and children, people who are less mature, older, loads of men coming to the game – it was immense. I certainly need to review footage to relive it because I feel I missed some of it because I was a bit in awe.

“You look up and you notice all the spectators. I remember everyone pointing up and being like: ‘Check it out.’ It was crazy. I got my phone out immediately, I was like: ‘I must capture this.’”

If Kabeya was provided lasting recollections then she also gave spectators something to remember, with a award-winning match effort leading the Red Roses to a decisive triumph. Thousands sang her popular refrain at the Battersea Power Station celebrations 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 possibility a decade ago.

Kabeya first took up the sport about 15 miles south-east of Twickenham, at the her school in Croydon, south London. Initially playing alongside the boys, she was supported by her coach and ex-international player Bryony Cleall to pursue the sport. When she joined her first club, in a different locale, she felt she had to alter her behavior to fit in.

“It was in a different area, which is a predominantly white area,” Kabeya says. “I was just starting out and I aimed to blend in so I adjusted my habits the songs I enjoyed, my speech patterns. I no longer talk like I did when I was in my teens but I was a true local when I joined the club and I attempted to suppress that and hold back.

“It’s only as I have advanced in my career and connected with similar individuals and have brought me out of my shell again that I am discovering my true self. I am true to who I am.”

In addition to motivating young players, Kabeya has designed gear which will eliminate obstacles preventing participation. Collaborating with a partner, she has developed a specialized headgear to shield different styles from rubbing, irritation and dehydration.

“It’s been a development because we had to find the right material with how it can function while allowing airflow as it has to be appropriate for the sport, where you’re perspiring and facing physical demands but also protecting your hair.

“A scrum cap is something that has been in use for ages, it’s not a novel invention. But to include this feature, it is such a minor adjustment but it can make such a big difference. In my younger days I used to use makeshift protection because I wanted to keep my hair neat but I enjoyed the game so it didn’t bother me.

I was a true local when I joined the club and I attempted to suppress that and hold back

“However, for other players that would be it. It would be: ‘I’m avoiding participation because I want to protect my hair, I don’t want to have breakage.’ To have gear that supports involvement or welcome additional athletes is important.”

The completion of the competition has been triumphant for the player. Her next appearance in an England jersey will be in the international tournament in the spring, while in the interim her priorities include the forthcoming domestic league for her side, Loughborough Lightning. In the period leading up to the tournament, she found it rather difficult, experiencing injuries and a “emotional struggle” during the recent tournament: “I came in thinking: ‘Oh I’ll be fine, I’ll be able to ride it out.’

“I think the worse it got off pitch, the poorer she played. I was able to go away and put in the effort and speak to the right people to prepare psychologically for a World Cup. I think, notably in competitive environments, you wait until you hit rock bottom to seek solutions. But today, accessing support systems and experts I can consult regularly as opposed to reacting to issues is huge.”