On Aug. 30, the Redbirds rugby team kicked off their 2025–2026 campaign with a convincing 28-14 preseason victory over Dartmouth’s Big Green at Percival Molson Stadium. The team bounced back from their 17-26 preseason loss of Fall 2024, setting an early tone of discipline and intensity heading into league play in front of a small but mighty contingent of fans who braved the day’s rain.
The contest began under a light drizzle that soon turned into a steady downpour, making ball handling treacherous for both sides. Dartmouth came out firing early, but McGill used tactical kicking and disciplined territory management to ultimately control the opening half.
“When it’s raining, kicking puts way more pressure on the other team,” explained veteran flanker Elliot Descarreaux, MSc Physical Therapy, in an interview with The Tribune. “Going for the kicks and attacking the zone benefits us, instead of getting stuck in a pattern of constant scrums.”
McGill struck early in the 11th minute when centre Raphael Seigner broke through Dartmouth’s defensive line and, with a tackler in his way, made a smart pass to winger Henry (Harry) Corkum for the opening try. Fullback Martin Laval converted to give the Redbirds a 7-0 advantage.
The Redbirds kept their foot on the gas, carrying their momentum through the first half. In the 29th minute, number 8 Ian McDowell, PhD Neuroscience, finished a well-read lineout sequence with a try, doubling McGill’s lead. Just five minutes later, McGill extended their lead with a crisp passing sequence that ended in a try. Laval remained flawless from the tee, slotting his third straight conversion to give McGill a commanding 21-0 lead.
The physicality of the match boiled over just before halftime in a heated scuffle near the McGill end, but the Redbirds entered the break with both the scoreboard and momentum firmly in their favour.
Dartmouth responded early in the second half, breaking through in the 48th minute with a front-row try to cut the deficit to 21-7. The Big Green continued to press in the scrums, where McGill struggled to maintain control. Another Dartmouth try in the 64th minute narrowed the score gap to 21-14, briefly raising tension among fans as the visitors ramped up intensity.
But McGill’s composure and grit ultimately secured the win. The Redbirds used deep territorial kicks from the back line to disrupt Dartmouth’s structure and force errors. A final try by McGill in the 80th minute sealed the game’s 28-14 result, sending the team off the pitch under clearing skies with their first victory of the year.
For McDowell, the win reflected the team’s maturity in tough situations.
“We faced intense pressure in our zone, forced Dartmouth to turn the ball over, and immediately cleared it,” he said. “Moments like that really fire a team up. Our attitude and intent were on today. We stayed aggressive in defence, made the right decisions, and stayed connected as a team.”
Head Coach Ian Baillie credited his squad’s decision-making and composure as key factors in the win.
“[Dartmouth] came out very strong and had the majority of possession early, but our guys made smart territorial decisions,” Baillie noted. “Our handling skills remained strong despite the conditions, and our kick game worked very well.”
Beyond the tactical execution, Baillie highlighted the team’s resilience in the face of injuries. With some players sidelined, the Redbirds relied on their deep bench and veterans.
“We’ve got a next-man-up attitude,” Baillie said. “Everybody believes the guy stepping forward can do the job, and that’s how we conduct ourselves.”
As for lessons for the Redbirds to carry into the regular season, Descarreaux kept it simple.
“Keep playing as a team,” he said. “Stay tight together.”
McGill will open its regular season at home on Sept. 4 against the Carleton Ravens, aiming to build on the confidence gained from their preseason performance that blended smart rugby with collective energy.
