VICTORIA – This weekend will mark the start of the University of Victoria Vikes men's rugby team's CDI premier league campaign. The Vikes will take on James Bay Athletic Association on Oct.4 at 2:45 p.m. at MacDonald Park, seeking to down their rivals, which were the only team to defeat them in this fall's Barnard Cup series.
 
The Vikes enter the weekend following a 62-17 win over the Castaways Wanderers in the Barnard Cup series, which put them atop the standings with a 2-1-0 record and secured them a spot in the cup final. James Bay AA was the only team that defeated the Vikes in the series, in a very close match that ended in 34-30.
 
"It was very close last time but we struggled with their physicality," said head coach Doug Tate. "They are very good at their home field but we've had a very good season so far and it is important to win and get points early in the season".
 
Both teams will be missing players due to the national team identification camp in Langford, B.C. ahead of the IRB Americas Rugby Championship but Vikes captain Remi Anctil, Jeff Nishma-Miller and Crosby Stewart will be key players to watch. Second-year winger Stewart has scored a try in every game so far and Anctil has led the Vikes with his physicality and support.

"There is a very contrasting style of play between James Bay and us and we are expecting another close game," added Tate. 
 
The CDI premier league consists of eight teams from the BC rugby union. Last year the Vikes posted a 6-7 record placing them sixth in the league standings. Burnaby Lake Rugby club were the league champions with James Bay AA as the runner-ups.
 
For more information and the complete schedule of the CDI premier league, click here.