From small-town tackles to the world stage: Concordia’s Mahalia Robinson’s journey in Canadian rugby

Mahalia Robinson never set out to become one of Canadian rugby’s rising names. She simply liked to play.

Growing up in the Eastern Townships, Robinson was the athletic kid who never shied from contact. She and her siblings grew up enjoying playing soccer or football in the yard.

“I was always a bit of a contact sport girl,” she said. 

“Transitioning into rugby was never a challenge for me. I could actually run at full pace and tackle people and it’s legal… I could get my anger out that way. I could get anxiety out that way.”

She laughs about it now, calling herself a “goofball” who likes to joke around and lighten the mood. That sense of play, shaped early at Massey-Vanier High School, became the foundation of her rugby career. She joined the school team, following her sister into the sport, and never looked back.

Robinson wasn’t sure she wanted to study beyond CEGEP, unsure of her career direction after graduation. But Concordia University, a program she viewed as a powerhouse, reached out. Head Coach Jocelyn Barrieau contacted her as she was finishing CEGEP. Robinson said yes immediately.

“I knew the history and the legacy of the program. I jumped on right away,” she said.

She spent four years balancing academics and athletics, graduating in 2024. 

The following year, Robinson went on the road with Team Canada. The call-up came almost immediately after graduation. One tournament invitation turned into another. She played in the Pacific Four Series, the WXV tournament in Vancouver, and returned to Pacific Four competition again. She also joined the Canadian sevens program. In one year, Robinson travelled to nine countries, including three trips to Australia.

“How am I in Dubai right now?” she joked. “I’m from a small town. This makes no sense.”

But the moment that changed her forever unfolded in New Zealand.

Canada had never beaten the Black Ferns. The team travelled from Los Angeles to Sydney to Christchurch and played three matches in three time zones, in three stadiums full of pressure. Canada beat the United States. They beat Australia. Then they faced rugby’s most storied nation, at home, surrounded by fans who recognized the Canadian team on the street.

“We were confident. We were relaxed,” Robinson said. “New Zealand is just a team in black jerseys.”

Canada made history and Robinson was there.

“To win in New Zealand… I can’t even describe it. Being able to win the trophy for the first time and beat New Zealand for the first time in Canadian history, being part of history is something you can’t wrap your head around.”

She shook from the cold and adrenaline. Fans flooded the pitch. She touched the Pacific Four trophy. She stood on a field with players she had idolized for years. Since then, New Zealand hadn’t beaten Canada.

“That was the stepping stone to where Canada rugby is now. I was there for it.”

Robinson returned to the Stingers with a new perspective, no jersey number in the leadership group, but leadership nonetheless. She offered calm direction, pushed players who needed pushing, supported those who needed support.

“I just try to help the team where I can in terms of rugby IQ and skills I’ve learned at the higher level,” she said.

What she found this fall surprised her, not the intensity, but the quality.

“This is the best Concordia team I’ve been on since I started,” Robinson said.

She says she wants joy, not to lose herself in the weight of performance.

“At the end of the day, it is just a game,” she said. 

“My goal is to have fun and still perform. I still want to be on the radar for Rugby Canada, but it’s more important for me right now that I enjoy it.”

She carries a message for the next player who dreams of following her path:

“Put your head down and work. Things are earned, not given. Whether it takes two years or 10 years, be patient and enjoy it along the way.”