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The moment the match ended, Sadia Kabeya felt immense relief. In front of a record crowd, she celebrated with fellow player Lucy Packer and finally grasped that the her side had claimed the Rugby World Cup. The final against Canada had been so “demanding,” Kabeya found it difficult to accept they were international winners until she the whistle blew. “It was unbelievable,” Kabeya says. “The full-time whistle was a lot of ease, a moment to exhale and then: ‘Wow, we’ve accomplished it.’”

England’s success topped off a lengthy winning streak, a 33 consecutive victories, but the wider effect is what Kabeya cherishes deeply. Notably, exiting the team coach to be met with throngs of fans and the applause from the packed stadium after the anthems.

“I struggle to put it into words,” the England star says. “The walk-in was amazing, a rare opportunity. Just to see the amount of support, the variety present – households, people who are less mature, older, numerous guys in the stands – it was massive. I definitely have to watch videos back to experience it again because I feel I missed some of it because I was a bit in awe.

“You glance around and you notice all the spectators. I recall people gesturing and being like: ‘See that.’ It was crazy. I got my phone out immediately, I was like: ‘I have to record this.’”

If Kabeya was provided lasting recollections then she also made some for the fans, with a award-winning match effort leading the Red Roses to a decisive triumph. Fans voiced her popular refrain at the post-victory event the next day, when the “celebratory tune” was sung by her England teammate Hannah Botterman. These are all occasions she couldn't foresee could be a possibility a ten years back.

Kabeya first took up the sport about 15 miles south-east of Twickenham, at the Harris city academy in her hometown. Initially playing alongside the boys, she was encouraged by the PE teacher and former England prop Bryony Cleall to pursue the sport. When she joined her first club, away from south London, she felt she had to alter her behavior to be accepted.

“It was in a different area, which is a largely homogeneous neighborhood,” Kabeya says. “I was just starting out and I aimed to blend in so I modified my preferences what music I was listening to, my speech patterns. I have changed my accent when I was in my teens but I was a typical resident when I joined the club and I attempted to suppress that and conceal my true identity.

“It’s only as I have gone along in the sport and connected with similar individuals and have brought me out of my shell again that I am discovering my true self. I am myself now.”

In addition to motivating young players, Kabeya has created an item which will remove more barriers deterring involvement. Teaming up with a brand, she has produced a unique rugby cap to safeguard various textures from rubbing, irritation and dehydration.

“It’s been a development because we had to source suitable fabric with how it can perform without causing discomfort as it has to be suitable for athletic use, 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 revolutionary idea. 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 aimed to maintain my hairstyle but I enjoyed the game so it didn’t bother me.

I was a typical resident when I came to Richmond and I felt the need to adjust and hold back

“However, for some girls that would be enough. It would be: ‘I’m staying away because I want to protect my hair, I aim to maintain health.’ To have gear that supports involvement or attract new players is important.”

The conclusion of the tournament has been successful for the athlete. Her next appearance in an England jersey will be in the Six Nations in next season, while in the period before her focus will be on the forthcoming domestic league for her club, Loughborough Lightning. In the time before the championship, she found it far from easy, facing physical issues and a “psychological challenge” during the previous competition: “I started assuming: ‘Oh I’ll be fine, I’ll be able to handle it.’

“I think the harder her personal life was, the worse it got on pitch. I was willing to take time and do the work and consult professionals to prepare psychologically for a global competition. I think, notably in competitive environments, you often delay until crisis point to seek solutions. But today, utilizing available help and experts I can consult regularly rather than facing problems later is important.”