On Sept. 4, the Record connected with G.P. Vanier鈥檚 recent alumnus, prolific football player, promising rugby player, and medal-winning track and field sprinter Sebastian Lambert for his recent appearance at the Trinbago 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games. Competing in rugby 7s and wearing Canada鈥檚 jersey for the first time, Lambert shared his firsthand experience of the event.

To start, could you share your experience in Trinidad and Tobago? How did everything go there?

Getting the opportunity to play in Tobago was an amazing experience. I couldn鈥檛 have asked for a better or more beautiful place to play! From staying in the resort right on the beach, beach practices and seeing the beaches/water from the training field and stadiums. The people of Tobago are amazing and so kind. All the volunteers and workers made it such a great event.

Could you provide some insights about your team? Knowing that you haven鈥檛 had the chance to spend much time with the other players prior to the games, how was the overall team chemistry?

I think for being together for such a short time, we had pretty good team chemistry. I think if we had an opportunity to meet for longer before the tournament it would have helped us in the games. As I know some of the other teams had already played together in other international competitions.

How did your team perform during the games?

I think we performed very well overall. We had a couple of good wins and close games, and unfortunately a couple of losses too. We ended up getting fourth, losing to South Africa in the bronze medal game.

Can you tell me a bit about your personal performance during the event?

I think I played very well and was able to showcase myself. I scored my first try in a Canadian jersey against the hosting team of Trinidad and Tobago. I broke free down the left side of the field and was able to outrun everyone to score under the post.

Was there a particularly challenging opponent or team you faced?

Fiji and South Africa were definitely the most challenging teams we faced. Fiji with their offload game and speed. Then South Africa with their kicking and size. It was an unreal experience to get the chance to play some of these teams like no other youth team has been able to for years.

Considering your background in 15s, how was the transition to playing 7s?

I would say I鈥檓 definitely more of a 7s player, given my speed strength and size. My high school rugby season was all 7s so that definitely helped me in preparation to really make it an easier transition to playing at the highest level.

Can you highlight any standout moments from your performances?

I鈥檇 say my biggest highlight was definitely scoring my first try. That鈥檚 a feeling like no other as you鈥檙e charging down to the end zone.

Did you gain any valuable lessons from this experience?

I would just say to take all your opportunities in sports because it could lead to an amazing opportunity like this travelling the world.

What was the best thing about the trip itself?

One of the best parts about the trip was being at the resort with all the other countries. It was really cool to be able to see all the different cultures sports and people together. At our resort, we had rugby, netball, and volleyball, and the players from Canada, Tobago, England, Scotland, Jamaica, South Africa, Australia, and Fiji.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I鈥檇 like to thank Ken Erickson, JB Nikkel, and the Comox Valley Kickers for getting me into rugby. I鈥檇 also like to thank the community for supporting me through this and making it all possible.

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