The 2013 South African Rugby Union season will officially kick off later this month, when the University of KwaZulu-Natal host the University of Fort Hare in the FNB Varsity Shield pipe opener at 4.30pm on Monday 28 January at Peter Booysen Park in Golf Road, Pietermaritzburg. Fort Hare, the alma mater of Oliver Tambo and Nelson Mandela, have a well-established rugby scene with a rich history, and are a shining light of genuine rugby development in the Eastern Cape. They will be no pushovers, having beaten the UKZN Impi twice in 2012.

The Impi have been hard at work in two training camps, and will be well prepared for the challenge, which will be attended by the Saru top brass, and broadcast live on SuperSport 1. As the UKZN students only return from the Christmas vac in February, the Impi will be relying on alumni and local supporters to provide home ground advantage.

According to UKZN Sports Officer, Reggie Smith, it will be an afternoon of "Rugby that Rocks", with cheerleaders, traditional dancers, and an entertaining MC lined up. UKZN Rugby will also use the day to promote the "Rugby against Rape" campaign in association with the Jes Foord Foundation, and are hoping for significant support for this noble cause.

Jos Robson