Queen’s Men’s Rugby made a statement in its first playoff game, shutting out its cross-town rivals to advance to the OUA semifinals.
The Gaels defeated the Royal Military College (RMC) Paladins 60-0 on Oct. 25 at Nixon Field, extending their winning streak to four games. After finishing the regular season with a 4-2 record, Queen’s now prepares to face the undefeated Guelph Gryphons in the OUA semifinals on Oct. 30.
The Gaels wasted little time taking control of the quarter-final, crossing the try line within the opening four minutes to establish a 5-0 lead.
They continued to build their advantage throughout the first half, adding four converted tries to enter halftime leading 33-0.
Thomas Paddick, ArtSci ’28, Trekker James, ArtSci ’27, and Graham Walters, ArtSci ’28, led the scoring with two tries each.
Massimo Ruben, ArtSci ’30, Remy Kefford, Comm ’27, Briar Barron, Sci ’28, and Noah Merkur, Kin ’28, each added a try. Ben Greenstein, ArtSci ’28, contributed another 10 points through five successful conversions.
Despite trailing considerably, RMC continued to challenge Queen’s defence in the second half, advancing deep into Gaels territory on several occasions.
However, the Paladins were unable to convert those opportunities into points.
Queen’s added another try in the 51st minute before crossing the try line four more times to complete the 60-point victory.
Ahead of the quarter-final, The Journal spoke with fourth-year Oliver Davis, ArtSci ’27, about the team’s playoff expectations and the challenges posed by RMC.
Davis emphasized the Paladins’ physicality and discipline, having faced them throughout his varsity career.
“They work super hard, they’re super dialed, they’re super disciplined,” Davis said.
The victory continued Queen’s recovery from a difficult stretch earlier in the season.
After opening the regular season with a 31-19 over the Laurier Golden Hawks, the Gaels suffered consecutive losses to the Gryphons and Western Mustangs before responding with three straight wins against the Waterloo Warriors, Brock Badgers, and Trent Excaliburs.
The quarter-final victory extended that streak to four games, but Queen’s next opponent presents a familiar challenge.
The Gryphons finished the regular season undefeated at 6-0, securing the top seed in the OUA and a bye into the semifinals.
When the two teams met on Sept. 19, Guelph defeated Queen’s 61-17, building a 40-0 halftime lead before the Gaels managed to respond in the second half.
The matchup also serves as a rematch of the 2025 OUA Championship, when Guelph defeated Queen’s 43-21 to secure its fifth consecutive conference title.
Before the RMC game, Davis identified another opportunity to face Guelph as a motivating factor for the Gaels.
“We have another chance at Guelph which we’re all really excited for,” Davis said.
Queen’s will travel to Guelph to face the Gryphons in the OUA semifinals on Friday, Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. at Varsity Field, with the winner advancing to the OUA Championship on Nov. 7.
Tags
Men's rugby, OUA playoffs, Queen's Rugby
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