The UKZN Impi are back in training after a brief Christmas recess. The squad have been hard at work under the tutelage of UKZN's head of rugby John Mitchell and his coaching team of Butch James, Ryno Combrinck and Ryan Strudwick.

The Impi have an ambitious pre-season programme, including a fixture against the KZN Duikers in the opening match of the KZN rugby season at Howard College on Saturday 18 January (kick-off 3.30pm).

The University v Duikers match carries some historical significance, as the combined Natal University team played against (and beat) the KZN selection team in the Duikers' first ever match in 1956, with the Duikers avenging that defeat in the UKZN Centenary match at King's Park Stadium in 2011.

Jos Robson