Diversity in elite-level rugby union will only improve by targeting "hidden talent" across the country, says England flanker Sadia Kabeya.

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

England's 30-strong squad for this month's WXV tournament in Canada contains only two non-white players.

"We need to start targeting different areas. I might be biased, but there's so much hidden talent in these areas where there isn't much rugby," she told BBC Sport.

Growing up in south London, Kabeya got into rugby "really randomly" because her school happened to play the sport.

"I went to secondary school in Crystal Palace. Rugby is definitely not a thing there," she said.

"I think it was in year eight, my teacher came to my class and was like 'we've got a rugby team, go and play'.

"I actually had no clue there were even teams or games. I was very lucky - but if I hadn't gone to that school, I may not have found rugby."

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

"Having after-school clubs - they don't even need to be in the curriculum - that give that opportunity to play would help," she added.

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

"Everyone can play rugby, but recently that's not the case. It's not accessible for everybody."

The Rugby Football Union, the sport's national governing body in England, launched an inclusion 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, to 1,800 primary schools, secondary schools and colleges.

Meanwhile, its Rugby United campaign, external is supporting community clubs to attract more players and coaches from black and South Asian groups.