People of �鶹ֱ��: Rugby teaches international student life lessons

To highlight some of �鶹ֱ��’s 130+ programs, we’re re-sharing some of our past People of �鶹ֱ�� features of alumni throughout the month of May. Meet Rahal Delpachitra, an alumnus of �鶹ֱ��’s Business Administration – Human Resources program and former member of the college’s varsity rugby team.

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The �鶹ֱ�� community is full of unique, inspiring perspectives —and we’re sharing them as part of an ongoing series.

People of �鶹ֱ��: Meet Rahal Delpachitra

I’ve been playing rugby since I was 11 years old.

My two brothers played rugby, too, and my whole family’s into rugby.

An action shot of five people playing rugby. — *Rahal, far right, playing rugby with the �鶹ֱ�� Grizzlies.*

Four people dressed formally stand next to each other and smile at the camera. — *Rahal, right, and family.*

‘Why not give it a try?’

It’s a popular sport back home in Sri Lanka. You can play semi-pro kind of level over there.

Before I came to �鶹ֱ��, I sent a video clip of myself playing to John Daggett, �鶹ֱ��’s former varsity rugby head coach.

He’s a nice guy and responded, telling me to let him know when I landed in Canada.

But when I got here, I was not going to try out. I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to balance my school stuff with rugby.

My brothers encouraged me to go and try out, along with John and others. I had read about rugby at �鶹ֱ�� and how they had a pretty good record, so I thought, “Why not give it a try?”

A group of muddy rugby players during a game, with one in the centre gripping the ball and running past players on the opposing team.

Two people wearing �鶹ֱ�� Grizzlies rugby sweaters and jacket, pose for a photo together while standing on a playing field. — *Rahal with his coach John Daggett.*

A person wearing glasses and a suit smiles and holds up a rugby trophy. The backdrop behind them reads �鶹ֱ�� Grizzlies.

Rugby instills life lessons on and off the field

I made the team, and since then, rugby has taught me most of my values, like how to play within a team sport, and how to work with people and understand them.

It instilled discipline. Being an athlete, you live a certain way. You can’t, like, party and stuff every day.

Rugby taught me how to be committed to achieving a goal.

Also, rugby has helped me have a positive attitude and be mentally strong.

Don’t just focus on studies. Do stuff that’s outside your comfort zone, too, so you can get the full �鶹ֱ�� student experience.
Rahal Delpachitra

If you’re starting at �鶹ֱ�� or any college, I would say don’t just focus on studies. Do stuff that outside your comfort zone, too, so you can get the full �鶹ֱ�� student experience.

Don’t be restricted to just living a normal life.

Rugby also taught me how to balance my school, work, sports and life. So if you know you’re good at something else outside of school, give it a try.

Rugby was – and still is – a big part of my life, and I have so many people to thank, like my coaches and teachers, who supported me every step of the way.

Rahal Delpachitra, student in �鶹ֱ��’s Business Administration – Human Resources program and a member of the college’s varsity rugby team.

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