lasserters.com.au – Ben Alexander
Category: Rugby
www.lasserters.com.au – Wallabies test prop Ben Alexander has to be one of, if not the feel good story of the year.
Alexander, who played his schoolboy rugby at Knox Grammar in Sydney’s North, debuted against France back in June.
The 120-kilo forward relished the last ten minutes of the game (his first ten minutes for Australia), capitalizing on a tired French forward pack to put up some very solid defense.
Ben has since been a regular on the training track, narrowly missing selection in his next two games only to be recalled as the Wallabies traveled to south Africa in August.
In 2004 Ben was playing Rugby of the UC (University of Canberra) Owls and was selected on a short list for the Brumby Runners squad.
After a fine season he joined the Canberra Vikings in the local Rugby Competition and dominated his first few games.
However, Ben’s footballing career was nearly cut tragically short when he snapped his leg in half playing making a regulation tackle.
He suffered complications during surgery that nearly lead to is death and immerged from hospital having lost over a quarter of his body weight.
Plenty of hard work and determination saw Ben return to the game on a single season contract playing for English club Bedford.
Regaining form and confidence, he returned to Australia to the first ever season of ARC, playing for the Western Sydney Rams along side the likes of Curtley Beale.
Alexander flourished in the ARC, scoring several tries and forcing the ACT Brumbies to stand up and take notice.
He debuted for the Brumbies earlier this year and just 6 minutes into his stint off the bench he crashed over for a try.
Not a minute goes by when he doesn’t feel like pinching himself.
“Just three years ago I couldn’t walk and thought I’d never play footy again. Now I’m pulling on the green and gold and playing alongside my childhood heroes. It’s the best feeling.”
For Lasserters.com.au CLICK HERE