Rouge et Or and Carabins Clash for the New Jacques-Dussault Cup
It’s one of those electric Saturdays in Quebec where football pride fills the air. The Laval Rouge et Or and the Montreal Carabins, two long-standing powerhouses of university football, are once again locking horns — for the twelfth straight year — in the RSEQ championship final. But this time, there’s something extra special at stake. The familiar Dunsmore Cup has been replaced by the brand-new Jacques-Dussault Cup, a trophy that carries a deep sense of heritage and meaning for Quebec football.
This new cup, unveiled just a day before the big game, pays tribute to Jacques Dussault — a true pioneer and the first francophone head coach from Quebec to lead at the professional level. Dussault, now 75, was visibly moved at the ceremony held in his hometown of Quebec City. Though humble about his name being on the trophy, he emphasized the importance of representation: “My name isn’t what matters. What matters is that it’s the name of a Québécois francophone. This trophy represents Quebec football across the country.”
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Interestingly, Dussault’s history is deeply intertwined with both programs. He was the first head coach of the Carabins and once stood opposite Glen Constantin, the legendary leader of the Rouge et Or. The two men have had their rivalries over the years, but mutual respect runs deep. Constantin himself admitted, “Coach Dussault opened countless doors for francophone players and coaches. He made football the second most popular sport in Quebec, right after hockey.”
As for the game itself, it’s shaping up to be another fierce battle between two teams that know each other all too well. Earlier this season, Montreal edged out Laval 38–28 in a high-scoring affair, but Laval got its revenge in October with a 16–6 win. Both sides have elite coaching, disciplined defense, and passionate fan bases — all the ingredients for a classic.
Quarterback Arnaud Desjardins, named the most valuable player in Quebec university football for the second straight year, will lead Laval one last time at home. “Playing in front of 18,000 fans — that’s something to savor,” he said, acknowledging how much the crowd can influence the atmosphere. Historically, the home team has had the upper hand in these finals, winning every matchup since 2012 — six for Laval and five for Montreal.
As the teams take the field at Stade TELUS in Quebec City, it’s more than just a football game — it’s a celebration of tradition, rivalry, and the enduring spirit of Quebec football. And when the final whistle blows, one team will not only lift a new trophy but also honor the legacy of the man whose name it bears: Jacques Dussault.
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