Gee-Gees 31, Stingers 10: Concordia falters in home opener

The Concordia men’s rugby team stumbled out of the gate against Ottawa

SportsSamuel Kayll — Published September 16, 2026 2 minutes

The Stingers started well against the Gee-Gees, taking an early 5-0 lead through centre Callan King. Forward Omar Mokri’s conversion made the score 7-0 in favour of Concordia. 

Unfortunately, these would be the last points Concordia scored for a long stretch, as Ottawa clamped down on the Stingers' attack. All the while, the Gee-Gees tacked on tries, with forward Patrick Maka adding a pair and scrumhalf Nate Phillips kicking three conversions. 

Despite the loss, Concordia head coach Marc Belvedere remained optimistic and praised the team’s performance. 

“I think it was honestly a really positive game. The scoreline wasn't flattering, but our intent and our effort on the field were actually really exceptional,” Belvedere said. “I think it was probably one of the best defensive games we've played in the last three years.”

King’s try was the first of his Concordia career. The rookie looked ahead to a season of improvement, using the loss to navigate the upcoming games. 

“We're just going to take the same attitude and capitalize on the opportunities we had,” King said. “I think we had the opportunities to win here, and we're just going to take them into the next game."

Belvedere praised the first-year group as a whole, emphasizing their role in the team’s preparation. 

“The rookies are an excellent group coming in. They've really actually upped our practice level and our total team skill level,” Belvedere said. “They're not a step back—they're the step forward, and they're pushing us in the right direction, so I'm really happy to have them.”

Ottawa added tries through prop Josh Seguin and halfback Emmett Rahiri, extending the team’s lead in the second half. Mokri kicked a penalty conversion to add to the Stingers’ tally, but Concordia would end the game with just a single try.

The Stingers celebrated the first Pink on the Pitch game in both matches, raising money and awareness for breast cancer treatment. King emphasized the importance of student-athletes supporting community causes.

“Having known somebody who went through breast cancer as well just means a lot. And I'm happy to be playing for that cause for sure,” King said. 

Concordia hosts the École de technologie supérieure Piranhas in their next home game on Sunday, Sept. 19. Kickoff is set for 3:15 p.m.