Last-second try wins McGill the Hardy Cup for the 4th year in a row

(Percival Molson Stadium) September 26, 2026 - James Mason (pictured above) scored a decisive try as McGill secured a dramatic 29-27 victory over Concordia in RSEQ men's rugby. This win marked McGill's fourth consecutive Dave Hardy Cup triumph, giving them a 4-3 lead in the series. The Cup, inaugurated in 2019, is named after Dave Hardy, a former coach at both universities.

McGill was trailing after Omar Mokri's penalty goal gave Concordia a 27-24 lead in the 80th minute. However, Mason, a 21-year-old from Paris, France, scored an unconverted try, sealing the win for McGill. This result improved McGill's record to 1-1, while Concordia fell to 0-3. McGill earned a bonus point for five tries, and Concordia gained a point for the narrow loss. McGill now ranks fourth in the Quebec conference with five points, four ahead of Concordia.

Concordia initially led 3-0 with Mokri's penalty kick. Despite being down to 14 men, McGill took a 5-3 lead with Roberto Frascione's try. Concordia responded with a try from Sean Sowden, converted by Mokri, to lead 10-5. After a yellow card for McGill's James Allan, Mokri missed a penalty, and Harry Corkum's try tied the game 10-10 at halftime.

McGill surged ahead in the second half with Frascione's second try and Max Bernhart's conversion, making it 17-10. Nicolas Tissier added another try, with Bernhart converting, extending the lead to 24-10. Concordia fought back with Sowden's second try and Mokri's conversion, reducing the gap to 24-17. After James Pitman's yellow card, Jaxon

Alexander's try and Mokri's conversion tied the game 24-24. Mokri's penalty goal in the 80th minute gave Concordia a brief lead before Mason's decisive try.

McGill faces Carleton on Oct. 3.

About the Hardy Cup: Inaugurated in 2019, the first three editions were won by Concordia with McGill capturing the next four. There was no Cup game in 2020 because of COVID-19.