England hero Kabeya inspired by new rugby fans

Sadia Kabeya's club side, Loughborough Lightning, play their home league matches at Northampton Saints' Franklin's Gardens stadium

England Rugby World Cup winner Sadia Kabeya said she "loved" that the sport was attracting new audiences following the Red Roses' triumph.

Hosts England won the competition by beating Canada at Twickenham last month, with Kabeya named player of the match.

The 23-year-old's club side, Loughborough Lightning, play Sale Sharks in their first home match of the Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR) season at Franklin's Gardens at 13:00 GMT.

She said: "People are coming to matches who had never watched rugby union before. They've seen players at the World Cup, or found them through social media and thought, 'I'll come to a game'. It's getting new people into the sport."

A giant mural featuring Kabeya was unveiled on a building near Franklin's Gardens ahead of Northampton hosting matches for the World Cup competition.

The mural is in the St James area near the home of Northampton Saints

Reflecting on the World Cup, Kabeya said the memories were "very overwhelming" and "a real pinch me moment".

She said: "The great thing about the World Cup is it gives everyone a platform to show what they're made of.

"Having teams like Samoa come to the World Cup and hear their coach speak about how grateful they are to be on the stage. It's great to hear, but also shows how far behind some other teams are.

"We're very grateful as the Red Roses to be so far ahead, to have the coaching, to have the facilities. Although the World Cup did highlight the greatness of rugby, it showed there's still a way to go".

Kabeya, from Lewisham, south London, scored as Lightning were beaten by Harlequins 52-42 in a thrilling PWR season opener.

Asked how her life had changed since her success with England, the flanker said "a few moments" of being recognised by fans had taken her by surprise.

"I've put it in the family group chat and they've said 'well, you did just win the World Cup!'," she said.

"It's definitely taking some getting used to".