Sadia Kabeya: Rugby can improve diversity by focusing on ‘hidden talent’

Diversity in top-level rugby union will only improve with a focus on ‘hidden talent’ across the country, says England winger Sadia Kabeya.

The 22-year-old believes a lack of accessibility at school and junior level is one of the main reasons why the sport is not more diverse.

England’s 30-man squad for this month’s WXV tournament in Canada includes just two non-white players.

“We need to start focusing on different areas. I may be biased but there is so much hidden talent in these areas where there isn’t a lot of rugby,” she told BBC Sport.

Growing up in South London, Kabeya was introduced to rugby “very randomly” because her school happened to play the sport.

“I went to high school at Crystal Palace. Rugby is definitely not an option there,” she said.

“I think it was in eighth grade when my teacher came to my class and said, ‘we have a rugby team, go play.’

“I actually had no idea there were even teams or competitions. I was very lucky, but if I hadn’t gone to that school I might not have found rugby.”

Kabeya, who is currently injured, says more can be done to introduce black communities to the sport.

“It would help to have after-school clubs – they don’t even have to be in the curriculum – that provide opportunities to play,” she added.

“Opening clubs in different areas, not two or three hours away from a particular area. I definitely think more needs to be done there.

“Anyone can play rugby, but that has not been the case lately. It is not accessible to everyone.”

The Rugby Football Union, the sport’s national governing body in England, launched an inclusivity and diversity action plan in April 2023.

One initiative will result in the introduction of T1 Rugby,, external a new format of non-contact rugby, for 1,800 primary schools, secondary schools and colleges.

Meanwhile, the Rugby United campaign is underway, external supports community clubs to attract more players and coaches from Black and South Asian groups.