The Concordia Stingers Signature Series continues its exceptional lineup of prestige events with a history-making night featuring the men's rugby team.
When the Canadian University Men’s Rugby Championship begins on Wednesday at Concordia Stadium in N.D.G., it will mark the first time the national tournament takes place in Quebec. The Stingers, who are ranked fourth in the eight-team championship, will play the last game of the day (6 p.m.) against the No. 5-ranked Guelph Gryphons.
“We’re extremely excited,” said Concordia captain Jackson Marquardt. “We’ve had a really good season and we’re excited to show the rest of Canada what we’re made of.”
The Stingers had a perfect 6-0 won-loss record in the regular season and rolled through the RSEQ conference playoffs, defeating the Montréal Carabins 47-8 in the semifinals and McGill University 38-19 in the Quebec championship.
Guelph finished with a 5-1 record in the OUA West conference and were finalists in the Ontario championship. The Gryphons lost the final 27-18 to the Queen’s Gaels.
Concordia and Guelph met in the 2018 national championship in Victoria. The Stingers came out on top with a 19-5 victory.
The national championship brings together some of the best young rugby players in the country. Joining Concordia and Guelph at the tournament this week are: Queen’s, McGill, the Brock Badgers, the UNB Ironmen, the UBC Thunderbirds and the Victoria Vikes.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for us to show the level of talent in Quebec,” Marquardt said. “Fans who come check out the event are going to see some great young players and be able to see the future of Canadian rugby.”
This also marks the first time the Stingers have hosted a university national championship in 20 years. Concordia was the site of the 1999-2000 women’s hockey championships. That year the Stingers won the bronze medal.
Concordia Stadium is located at 7200 Sherbrooke St. W.
Check out the schedule and results for the 2019-20 Signature Series brought to you by McKibbin’s Irish Pub.
Event 1
Sept. 21 – Football – Homecoming
Concordia 37, Sherbrooke 35
Event 2
Sept. 29 – Women’s Rugby – Kelly-Anne Drummond Cup
Concordia 74, McGill 0
Event 3
Oct. 18 – Soccer – Erica Cadieux Games
Women’s game – Concordia 1, Montréal 1
Men’s game – Concordia 1, Montréal 1
Event 4
Oct. 26 - Men’s Hockey – Corey Cup
McGill 5, Concordia 2
Event 5
Nov. 20 – Men’s Rugby – Nationals Opening Game
Concordia vs. Guelph – 6 p.m.
Event 6
Jan. 11 – Women’s Basketball – Shoot for the Cure
Concordia vs. UQAM – 2 p.m.
Event 7
Feb. 8 – Women’s Hockey – Pink in the Rink
Concordia vs. McGill – 3 p.m.
Event 8
Feb. 15 – Men’s Basketball – George Lengvari Cup
Concordia vs. McGill – 4 p.m.
