Nathan Rourke shrugs off controversy over Saskatchewan Roughriders Grey Cup ring detail

Nathan Rourke has made it clear he holds no resentment over the Saskatchewan Roughriders engraving the phrase “It’s our time” inside their Grey Cup championship rings, despite the slogan becoming closely linked to him during last season’s playoffs.

The Roughriders secured football immortality by winning the 112th Grey Cup, and the phrase now appears permanently on the diamond-studded rings handed out to players and staff. Ironically, however, many fans associate those words with Rourke after the B.C. Lions quarterback famously shouted them during the West Final in Regina.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s season opener against Saskatchewan, Rourke admitted he had only recently learned about the engraving and reacted with laughter. The 2025 CFL Most Outstanding Player said he had no issue with the decision, praising the Roughriders for their championship run and acknowledging they earned the right to celebrate however they wanted after beating the Lions and going on to lift the Grey Cup.

The phrase first emerged from a pre-game press conference before last year’s West Final. As media attention focused heavily on how Saskatchewan planned to stop Rourke, Riders quarterback Trevor Harris expressed frustration, insisting the focus should be on his own team and declaring: “It’s our time.”

That sparked what Rourke described as a friendly rivalry between the two quarterbacks. After scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter to give B.C. the lead, Rourke repeated Harris’ words while celebrating toward the Mosaic Stadium crowd, using the moment as motivation during an emotional and highly competitive game.

Saskatchewan ultimately had the last laugh, rallying late for a dramatic 24-21 victory thanks to a last-second touchdown pass from Harris to receiver Tommy Nield. Harris later repeated the phrase after the win and carried that belief through to the Grey Cup, where the Riders completed their title-winning campaign.

Harris was also part of the committee responsible for designing the championship rings, ensuring “It’s our time” would be permanently included. Yet, because of Rourke’s memorable on-field celebration, many supporters still connect the phrase more strongly with the Lions quarterback than Saskatchewan itself.

Earlier this week, Harris appeared irritated when a reporter linked the phrase to a video involving Rourke, quickly challenging the suggestion. Despite that, the two quarterbacks have maintained a positive relationship, training together this offseason with Vancouver kinesiologist Rob Williams and revisiting the story behind their playoff exchange with plenty of humour.

Rourke said the rivalry never became personal, viewing it simply as two competitors pushing each other to improve. He added that healthy banter between rivals is part of football and insisted he respects Harris immensely.

In fact, Rourke used their offseason sessions to learn from the veteran quarterback, seeking advice on preparation and longevity. He praised Harris for continuing to perform at a high level beyond the age of 40 and criticised media narratives that focus too heavily on the quarterback’s age, arguing that his Grey Cup-winning performances should speak louder than any number.

Saturday’s rematch between the Lions and Roughriders is expected to offer an early indication of both teams’ Grey Cup credentials. Saskatchewan enters the season as defending champions despite losing key players, while B.C., led by Rourke and a high-powered offence, are considered one of the favourites to challenge for the title.