England’s Kabeya Focused on World Cup Glory Against Canada

The England women’s rugby team is gearing up for a historic final against Canada this weekend at the sold-out Allianz Stadium. Center Sadia Kabeya, now a key player under coach John Mitchell, aims to banish the memories of their heart-wrenching defeat to New Zealand in the 2021 World Cup final.

For many of her teammates, the pain of that three-point loss still lingers, as England’s impressive 30-game winning streak ended on the sport’s biggest stage. The mention of Eden Park evokes strong emotions, but for Kabeya, who was just starting her career at that time, the memory holds a different significance. “I hadn’t really played much during that World Cup, but injuries brought me into the semi-final and final,” she recalled. “I perhaps didn’t know so much about the history and what it meant.”

Since then, Kabeya has established herself as a vital member of the squad. “This time around, there feels a lot more in it. I’m more cemented in this squad and more connected with all the girls. It feels like a new page,” she added.

As the team prepares for the final, much of the focus has been on how to counter England’s formidable back three, led by full-back Ellie Kildunne. The trio, including Abby Dow and Jess Breach, has scored an impressive 43 tries in their five matches leading to the final. Kabeya has contributed significantly as well, scoring twice in the pool-stage victory against Australia and demonstrating her strength with notable carries in recent matches.

The Red Roses, a diverse group of players, have formed a cohesive unit under Mitchell’s guidance. Kabeya, while known for her intense training regimen, describes her off-field demeanor as more relaxed. “I’m more laidback than others,” she noted, adding a hint of humor to her serious preparations.

Despite the team’s mantra of treating every game the same, Kabeya acknowledges the magnitude of the occasion. “We’re embracing the hype,” she stated. “From a training point of view, it’s about following the same processes but knowing what the stakes are – we know how big this is.”

The support from fans has been a crucial aspect of their journey in this tournament. “The fans during this tournament have been remarkable. They’ve made the difference in tight moments. It’ll be another level at Allianz Stadium too, and the fact most of them will be on our side has to make a difference,” she remarked.

Looking ahead, Kabeya is aware of the pressures that come with being the top-ranked team in the world. “We revel in all the coverage. We follow all the Canadian players on Instagram, and it spurs us on. We’re the number one team in the world, and we have to deal with the pressures that brings,” she concluded.

As anticipation builds for the final, the women’s rugby landscape is poised for a significant moment. With the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 set to take place in the future, Allianz has already been announced as an Official Supporter of the tournament, further highlighting the growing popularity and importance of women’s rugby on the global stage.