Blood drips from below the eye of Canada's Ben Lesage (13) during the first half of men's 15s international rugby action against Spain in Ottawa, on Sunday, July 10, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
By The Canadian Press

Canada men fall 59-14 to Georgia after solid start in World Rugby Nations Cup play

Nov 7, 2026 | 11:17 AM

TBILISI — Canada’s men had a solid start before surrendering 49 straight points in a 59-14 loss to Georgia in World Rugby Nations Cup action on Saturday.

Dachi Papunashvili opened the scoring with a try for Georgia in the third minute, but with no conversion, the hosts held a 5-0 lead.

Ben Lesage answered with a try seven minutes later with Takoda McMullin booting in the conversion for a 7-5 edge.

Akaki Tabutsadze got another try for 13th-ranked Georgia at the 20-minute mark before Izzak Kelly replied for Canada six minutes later, wth McMullin firing through another conversion for a 14-10 lead.

The Georgians took a 24-14 lead into halftime thanks to two more tries with a conversion for each before outscoring Canada 35-0 in the second half.

Position available
Farming roots guide New Era Ag's approach in Melfort
Oct 21, 2026
Developing story
Deaths, injuries as fire hits Alberta military base: McGuinty
Oct 18, 2026
20,000 flee as explosive B.C. wildfire races toward Summerland, burning homes in path
Aug 10, 2026

It’s the second loss in Nations Cup action for 22nd-ranked Canada, which was 1-1-1 in its three-game stretch in July. The Canadians next play Hong Kong on Nov. 14 and Romania on Nov. 20.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 7, 2026.

The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

What's Trending

Position available
Farming roots guide New Era Ag's approach in Melfort
Oct 21, 2026
Developing story
Deaths, injuries as fire hits Alberta military base: McGuinty
Oct 18, 2026
20,000 flee as explosive B.C. wildfire races toward Summerland, burning homes in path
Aug 10, 2026
local talent
Macklin's Cole Reschny named to World Junior Summer Showcase roster for Team Canada
Jul 25, 2026
Back in win column
Sexton sparks Riders in 27-22 win over Redblacks
Jul 4, 2026