A rugby juggernaut who helped the Brock Badgers win a provincial championship is receiving an honour 'beyond his wildest dreams'.
 
Ray Barkwill will be inducted into the Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame at the Gale Centre on Sunday, Jan. 26 at 2 p.m. The 31st annual ceremony is open to the public.
 
"Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that this was something possible," said Barkwill. "I couldn't have done it without the help of my family, friends and coaches over the years."
 
Barkwill (BSc '10) grew up in Niagara Falls and credits Brock University, among others, as playing a compelling role in his career.
 
"It couldn't be done without the help of my friends and family and coaches over the years," said Barkwill. "Particularly in the earlier years with my parents, Chris Hodgson, Brock University, Niagara Rugby club and Rugby Ontario. They all played an incredible part in supporting me and helping me achieve my dreams in being a professional rugby player and towards playing for Canada."
 
Last April, Barkwill announced his retirement from the sport at the age of 38.
 
"I think it means a lot. I'm very proud of where I'm from and of what rugby has given to me and what I've gotten out of rugby, but also the success that I've had in the game," he said. "Personally, it means a lot to be recognized by your peers and from other respected, decorated athletes within Niagara Falls."
 
Barkwill picked up the game of rugby while attending Westlane Secondary School and joined the Niagara Wasps. He then earned a spot on the Niagara Thunder of the Canadian Super League.
 
In 2007, Barkwill co-captained the Badgers to a 22-6 win over Queen's to hoist the school's first OUA men's rugby championship alongside the head coach at the time, Les Gilson.
 
He was named the OUA finals MVP.
 
"Ray's credentials and skills in his chosen sport are fine examples for others to follow," wrote the Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame committee.
 
After graduating, he went on to study and play in Australia. Barkwill turned pro with the Western Force of the Super Rugby Competition for the 2012 season, before returning to Canada.  He played for the Ontario Blues rugby team and won five national championships.
 
Barkwill is a three-time Canadian Rugby Championship winner and won the 2017 Shield Award as Most Inspirational Player as awarded by members of Canada's Men's Team.
 
In 2018, Barkwill also helped the Seattle Seawolves win the Major League Rugby title.
 
"This honour symbolizes not giving up and to work hard," said Barkwill. "I think it teaches how to persevere towards achieving your goals, which make up the foundations of rugby."