Rugby

World-class rugby talent is closer—and cheaper—than most think.

Three Gaels headed to Paraguay this summer and returned not just with memories, but with special additions to their trophy case.

Gaels’ standout forwards Angus Dewar, ArtSci ’27, and Coen Quinn, Sci ’28, have been tapped to represent Canada at the Oceania Rugby U20s Challenge in Fiji from May 28 to June 7, 2025. This marks Canada’s debut at the tournament, which launched only last year.

On the evenings of April 1 and 2, Queen’s Athletics and Recreation hosted their annual Colour Awards for both Varsity Clubs and the Varsity Teams.

In honour of the 89th annual Colour Awards taking place from April 1 to 2, The Journal completed its annual Staff Picks for Varsity Athlete of
the Year.

The 2024-25 season was filled with sweet victories and bitter defeats. Fortunately, The Journal was there to capture them all.

The start of the 2024-25 year brought with it many memorable moments for the Gaels. From the ice to the field, this edition of Aidan’s Angle will present my top five sporting moments and performances of the fall semester.

The Queen’s Men’s rugby team tied their highest place finish at the Canadian University Men’s Rugby Championship this year, defeating the provincial champions the Guelph Gryphons 38-28, and the dominant Victoria Vikes 26-24 on their way to National silver.

Entering this year as two-time OUA champions, with a streak of four consecutive national podiums, the expectations for the Queen’s Women’s Rugby team were naturally sky-high.

After narrowly failing to reclaim their OUA title against the Guelph Gryphons, the Gaels shifted their focus to the National tournament, determined to end their season on a high note.

In dominating fashion, the Queen’s Men’s Rugby team has punched their ticket to the OUA Championship and secured a berth at the Canadian University Men’s Rugby Championship (CUMRC).

Nixon Field was packed on Oct. 25, with fans of both Queen’s and Guelph filling the stands and lining the sidelines to watch the two OUA juggernauts, the Gaels and Gryphons, face off in their historic rivalry for the OUA Gold.

The Queen’s Men’s Rugby team welcomed the Brock Badgers to Nixon Field on Oct. 26, where a dominant performance on both offense and defence secured the Gaels a spot in the semi-final game on Nov. 2.

Entering the playoffs after another undefeated season for the Women’s Rugby program, the Gaels looked to mount the Western Mustangs during their matchup at Nixon field.

Women’s Rugby just wrapped up their fifth straight season without a regular season loss. Before the advent of the 2024-25 OUA playoffs, Head Coach Dan Valley sat down with The Journal to reflect on what it takes to be a dominant force in the OUA, and how he’s preparing to defend the OUA title.

For several years, Queen’s Rugby programs have been the standard for success in Ontario. The women’s side specifically has been dominating within OUA and National competition, bringing home two provincial titles and one national title in the past three years.