Former Wallabies and Brumbies prop Ben Alexander has received an honour he never imagined possible, seeing his name permanently etched into the University of Canberra's Sport Walk of Fame. This recognition comes after a university journey that spanned nearly 12 years for a standard three-year degree, a delay he humorously attributes less to rugby and more to time spent at the pub.
A Student Life Balanced with the Pub, Not Just Rugby
Ben Alexander never believed he would be invited back to the University of Canberra in an honorary capacity. The most-capped player in ACT Brumbies history took an unconventional path through higher education, finally completing his Bachelor of Sports Media after more than a decade.
When asked if he was balancing study with his professional rugby ambitions, Alexander offered a more candid explanation. "Nah, I was balancing uni with going to the pub," he admitted. His frequent visits to the Lighthouse Pub, known locally as the 'Lighty', were so regular that he became close with the owners. That connection later led to an invitation to be involved when the family launched a new venture, The Dock.
During his student days, Alexander recalls surviving on a shoestring budget. He once lived off just $10 a week, sustaining himself on basic staples like bread and cheese while navigating the dual demands of lectures and training.
From the Field to Mental Health Advocacy
The years spent chipping away at his degree were far from wasted. Alexander has since transformed into a leading voice for mental health awareness in the Australian Capital Territory. He has chronicled his experiences in print, noting that "the writing part has been a huge part of what I've done after sport."
His most significant contribution is the launch of the Running for Resilience project, an initiative with the ambitious goal of making the ACT suicide-free by 2033. The program, which promotes physical activity and community connection for mental wellbeing, now operates at six locations across Canberra, including the University of Canberra campus.
This advocacy work earned Alexander the ACT Local Hero award at the ACT Australian of the Year awards, bringing his journey full circle back to the university where he started his life in the capital after moving from Sydney in 2003.
A Place Among Sporting Greats
Alexander was officially inducted onto the UC Sport Walk of Fame on December 7, 2025. The walkway physically connects the heart of the university's Bruce campus to its sports hub, celebrating the achievements of its sporting alumni.
He joins four other distinguished inductees in the 2025 cohort:
- Sports lawyer Bronwyn Fagan (Bachelor of Laws)
- Paralympic swimmer Peter Leek (Bachelor of Applied Economics)
- Sports science expert Mark Sayers (Master of Applied Science in Sports Studies)
- International netball umpire Stacey Campton (Bachelor of Arts in Sports Science and Bachelor of Education)
Seeing his plaque installed was a moment of profound pride for Alexander, particularly as a father. "If my daughters ever go to UC, then I'll feel really proud if they walk along that walk and they see daddy's name," he said.
Reflecting on his academic struggles, Alexander acknowledged coming from a family where university achievement was highly valued. "I just was not wired to sit still, I was wired to get out and play sport," he explained. It was only with the persistent encouragement of the Brumbies organisation and his wife that he returned to finally complete his degree.
Today, his focus has shifted from pure achievement to purpose. "A lot of work I do lately is about unpicking my identity from needing to achieve stuff," Alexander shared. He expressed immense gratitude for the support system that allows him to pursue meaningful work, crediting the Brumbies for teaching him to look after both body and mind, and his wife for enabling him to be himself.
For the Brumbies great, the plaque on the Walk of Fame is less a trophy and more a symbol of a winding, authentic journey—one that started in lecture halls and the local pub, and led to a legacy of resilience both on and off the field.
