Sadia Kabeya's Six Nations Column: Italy Week
Missing out on WXV was tough but being back in camp feels like I never left.
In her first Six Nations column, Sadia Kabeya reflects on her journey back from injury and gives an insight into Red Roses camp under new head coach John Mitchell.
Realising that I was going to have to miss WXV through injury… that was tough. I think I described it at the time as ‘a punch in the gut’, which sums it up perfectly, especially because the injury came so close to the team flying out to New Zealand.
Being at home in that period was a really, really tough time. WXV is a world tournament so not only was I missing out on playing for England, but a lot of my friends were out there too.
Having a strong support network when you’re going through the rehab process is super important. Lucy Packer also missed out on the tour, so her and I were rehabbing together back at home with the team physio, Emily Ross. Going through it with someone else makes all the difference, and it’s great to see Lucy back fit as well.
Getting back on track
I had a call with Mitch (John Mitchell) while the team were out in New Zealand. We spoke about how I was doing, and the next steps moving forward as I worked on my rehab. For me, getting back to the Premiership and getting back on form for my club was all I needed to focus on. It allowed me to set my sights on getting back fit without getting ahead of myself.
Something about Mitch I really admire is his communication. He’s great at speaking to the squad and communicating to us. He’s very open, and when it came to selection, he let me know early on where he was putting me and what he expected me to bring to the team. It’s always a nice feeling to be selected, but to feel like I’d come back to where I left off before my injury was a big confidence boost heading into the first game.
New faces and new relationships
We have so many talented back row players in camp - people like Marlie and Alex, experienced players who I have always looked up to, as well as newer faces like Maddie Feaunati and Maisy Allen. It’s exactly what you want when you’re trying to get the best out of each other.
Marlie and I both primarily play in the seven position, and we have a mutual understanding that when we’re in camp, we push each other and drive each other forward. To be able to chase the standards of someone as experienced and as talented as Marlie, while also pushing her in her game, is so helpful because it breeds healthy competition.
Saturday was Mitch’s birthday – What better way to celebrate than a day of travelling to Parma? We had a team meeting in the evening after we got to the hotel and I think it was Jess Breach, Maud Muir and Meg Jones who had the idea of wearing John Mitchell face masks while we sang happy birthday. As he came in everyone had their backs to him, and I’m sure it was a shock to look around the room and see a bunch of mini Mitch’s.
Our hotel was in the centre of Parma, so we were able to get out and explore the city in our free time. Groups of us went out for coffee and I found some great ice cream and a Parma ham focaccia – It would’ve been rude not to, right?
ALL EYES ON BRISTOL
Next week is our first home game of the Six Nations, and we’re playing Wales in Bristol. We’ve got really clear principles in terms of what we’re going after in attack and defence. Wales are a fast, dominant side who like to go through the middle so we’re going to have to be on the money come Saturday.
I’m super excited for the crowd at Ashton Gate. The stadium is so big that it makes you feel small when you get on the pitch, but I can’t wait to hear that home crowd and to see my family who are coming down to watch the game.
- Tickets to the Red Roses' home fixtures can be found here.
