'I didn't know you could play for England at rugby'

""I never had the ambition to play for England didn't know you could play for England at rugby. It was just something that I really enjoyed and my coaches and teachers encouraged me to do outside of school," she told BBC Radio London. "Until I got my first cap it never seemed like it was possible. But being from south London and growing up with that kind of grit has definitely helped me in my journey.""

""There was a lot of heartbreak in there and I think, in that squad there was a lot of older girls who had been through it many a time. For me it was my first World Cup so it was a really strange feeling [to lose]," she said. "As soon as the final whistle went, there was a feeling of 'We're going to get this next time'.""

Sadia Kabeya began playing rugby at school because of a boys' academy and did not initially consider playing for England. Kabeya started every match for the Red Roses during the home World Cup and was named player of the match in the 33-13 final victory over Canada at Twickenham. The final took place before a record 82,000 spectators. Kabeya previously experienced the defeat in the delayed 2021 final and used that heartbreak as motivation to return stronger. Kabeya grew up in Sydenham, praises the game's inclusivity, and aims to inspire the next generation of players.

Read at www.bbc.com