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When the game concluded, a wave of relief swept through. 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 hard to believe they were world champions until she the final signal came. “It was unbelievable,” Kabeya says. “The final whistle was a lot of relief, a opportunity to relax and then: ‘Wow, we’ve achieved it.’”

England’s success capped a lengthy winning streak, a 33-game winning run, but the off-field impact is what Kabeya cherishes deeply. Notably, exiting the team coach 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 England star says. “The stadium entrance was unforgettable, a rare opportunity. Just to witness the incredible backing, the mix of people – families, people who are younger, older, numerous guys in the stands – it was massive. I absolutely must see recordings to relive it because I feel I missed some of it because I was a bit in shock.

“You look up and you notice all the spectators. I think of the pointing fingers and being like: ‘See that.’ It was crazy. I instantly reached for my device, I was like: ‘I must capture this.’”

If Kabeya was provided lasting recollections then she also created memories for supporters, with a starring display in the final leading the Red Roses to a decisive triumph. Fans voiced her popular refrain at the title-winning party the next day, when the “celebratory tune” chorus was led by her England teammate Hannah Botterman. These are all events she never imagined could be a reality a ten years back.

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 motivated by an instructor and retired athlete Bryony Cleall to continue with rugby. When she joined her first club, in a different locale, she felt she had to adjust her identity to fit in.

“It was in a different area, which is a largely homogeneous neighborhood,” Kabeya says. “I was young and I hoped to be accepted so I modified my preferences my musical tastes, my way of talking. I have changed my accent when I was in high school but I was a proper south London girl when I moved to the area and I attempted to suppress that and suppress myself.

“It’s only as I have advanced in my career and met other people who look like me and have brought me out of my shell again that I am finding [my] personality. I am true to who I am.”

In addition to motivating young players, Kabeya has designed gear which will remove more barriers deterring involvement. Working with her sponsor, she has created a satin scrum cap to protect a range of hair types from rubbing, irritation and drying.

“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 appropriate for the sport, where you’re perspiring and getting through a lot of work but also keeping your hair safe.

“A rugby headgear is something that has been existing for decades, it’s not a groundbreaking concept. But to incorporate this element, it is such a small thing but it can make such a big difference. In high school I used to use makeshift protection because I aimed to maintain my hairstyle but I loved the sport so it didn’t bother me.

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

“However, for certain individuals that would be it. It would be: ‘I’m not playing because I prefer to avoid damage, I aim to maintain health.’ To have equipment that encourages participation or have people join the game is significant.”

The completion of the competition has been successful for the athlete. Her future games for the national team will be in the international tournament in next season, while in the interim her attention turns to the forthcoming domestic league for her side, Loughborough Lightning. In the period leading up to the tournament, she found it quite challenging, dealing with setbacks and a “emotional struggle” during the previous competition: “I started assuming: ‘Oh I’ll be okay, I’ll be able to ride it out.’

“I think the harder her personal life was, the poorer she played. I was willing to take time and do the work and seek appropriate help to get myself in the best head space for a World Cup. I think, particularly in athletics, you often delay until crisis point to try and do something about it. Whereas now, utilizing available help and experts I can consult regularly instead of waiting to hit a bump in the road is huge.”