Mahalia Robinson started playing rugby in Grade 8 at Massey-Vanier High School because she wanted to follow in her older sister’s footsteps and now she’s out in British Columbia, representing Canada East Selects in Rugby Canada’s NextGen Women’s Sevens tournament.
Robinson, a 22-year-old therapeutic recreation student at Concordia University, attended a training camp in March. In April, she found out that she was named to the Canada East Selects, joining some of the best rugby players from five universities in Eastern Canada.
“There was a lot of competition at camp when I went at the end of March so I honestly had no idea. I just wanted to do what I could, so when I found out I was pretty ecstatic because it’s quite an honour to be able to represent, I mean, Canada and East Canada, as well,” she said.
According to Robinson, the tournament will showcase three other teams: Canada West Selects, the Maple Leaf Academy, and an American squad looking to make some noise. This is her first time being involved with Rugby Canada, and the competition is already fierce.
“The level is just the highest level I’ve ever played at. It’s just in training everyone wants to do super well and everyone is super talented and quick. It makes you a better player just being surrounded by them. It’s a different level than university and what I’m used to,” Robinson said.
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