The Canadian Interuniversity Sport soccer and rugby seasons officially get under way on Labour Day weekend in Ontario and Quebec, respectively.
In women’s and men’s soccer, a total of 32 matches are scheduled on opening weekend in the OUA conference, including 15 on Saturday and 17 more on Sunday. League play starts on Sept. 5 in the AUS, RSEQ and Canada West.
The Trinity Western Spartans and UBC Thunderbirds enter the campaign as women’s and men’s national champions, respectively. Both programs have captured the CIS banner each of the past two years.
The 2014 CIS soccer championships are set for Nov. 6 to 9 at Laval University in Quebec City (women) and the University of Prince Edward Island in Charlottetown (men).
In women’s rugby, the regular schedule begins on Monday with a trio of RSEQ contests. The action starts on Sept. 5 in the OUA, Sept. 6 in the AUS and Sept. 19 in Canada West.
The Alberta Pandas captured a record sixth Monilex Trophy as national champions last fall, marking their first triumph since 2003.
This year’s CIS tournament is scheduled for Oct. 30 to Nov. 2 at the University of Guelph.
NOTE: The inaugural national rankings in CIS soccer and rugby will be released on Tuesday.
2014 CIS WOMEN’S & MEN’S SOCCER: KEY DATES
Aug. 30: Start of regular season in OUA
Sept. 5: Start of regular season in AUS, RSEQ & Canada West
Oct. 31 – Nov. 1: Canada West women’s & men’s Final Four
Oct. 31 – Nov. 2: AUS women’s & men’s Final Six
Nov. 1-2: OUA women’s and men’s Final Four
Nov. 2: RSEQ women’s & men’s finals
Nov. 6-9: CIS women’s championship at Laval University (Quebec City)
Nov. 6-9: CIS men’s championship at University of Prince Edward Island (Charlottetown)
2014 CIS WOMEN’S RUGBY: KEY DATES
Sept. 1: Start of regular season in RSEQ
Sept. 5: Start of regular season in OUA
Sept. 6: Start of regular season in AUS
Sept. 19: Start of regular season in Canada West
Oct. 17 & 19: Canada West Final Four
Oct. 25: OUA & RSEQ finals
Oct. 25-26: AUS Final Four
Oct. 30 - Nov. 2: CIS championship at University of Guelph