Lauren Klassen’s introduction to the game of rugby was more practical than anything else.
A Grade 9 student at Walnut Grove Secondary, Klassen — who knew nothing about the game — decided to give it a try. Her rationale? As part of the school policy, any student who played two sports — and paid the accompanying registration fees — was entitled to a third sport for free.
“I started playing rugby to get more aggressive for basketball,” admitted Klassen.
“And when I started playing it, I realized how much fun it was and how awesome the people were.”
Last week (May 28), Klassen was one of two recipients of the Bill Turpin Award, along with fellow Walnut Grove classmate Zach Laliberte. 
The award is presented to the graduating rugby players in the district who not only excels on the field, but also contributes by giving back to the sport, either through refereeing or coaching.
“She is a phenomenal athlete, first of all,” said Ian Cruickshank, who has coached Klassen since she began playing.
“And number two, she is a phenomenal person.”
What impresses the coach about his captain — a role she has held since midway through her first season — is her dedication to the game, especially considering she plays basketball, played volleyball until Grade 10 and also rides horses, as well as other non-sports extracurricular activities.
“She doesn’t take any time off: she is so organized and balanced and pretty dedicated to the game.”
With an overlap between the end of basketball season and the start of rugby training, many times Cruickshank would give Klassen permission to miss a training session, but she would always be there.
Another example of Klassen’s dedication is the fact she is always willing to help her coach out.
A teacher-on-call in the district, Cruickshank cannot always make it to Walnut Grove Secondary on time for a scheduled practice. But the coach knows that when he does arrive, everything will be set up and Klassen will be leading the team.
And while Klassen’s passion may be horses, she calls rugby her true love.
“I just love the whole culture of rugby,” she said.
“It has really captured me.”
“I love that you
use all of your ability — jumping, running, driving, your strength and speed,” Klassen explained.
She knew it was her sport about a year after she began.
People would start discussing rugby and almost instantaneously, she would break out in a smile and could not stop talking about it.
Klassen plays as a forward with the Gators, but has also excelled enough to earn spots on provincial teams and at the club level with Delta’s Britannia Lions women’s side. With the latter two, she plays as a back.
Klassen also hopes to attend UBC next year — and study international development — and play for the Thunderbirds. She will also continue to play for the Lions.
