This match will be followed by the game between the three-time champions, the University of Pretoria Tuks and Wits.

The following day, North-West University Pukke face the Nelson Mandela University Madibaz, the University of the Western Cape tackle the University of the Free State Shimlas and then it’s a Cape derby between the University of Cape Town Ikeys and the five-time champions the University of Stellenbosch Maties.

Recently the Ixias coach Pieter Bergh told OFM Sport with the news that the tournament will get underway in April, there has been a buzz in his camp of late.

“We've been training since October last year. We started in the gym first and then moved to field training as soon as we were allowed to.

“The training has been going really well but it has been difficult keeping the guys positive and excited because of the fact that nobody knew whether we are going to play or not.

“We've managed the situation really well and we are training had. As I said it was difficult to keep the guys positive.

“When we got the news there was a lot of excitement in the group. We had a great session last night (Tuesday night) with intensity and a lot of excitement and the guys had a lot of fun.

“It's all because we now have a date to work with.

“Eight weeks before the season starts will give us enough time because we have been doing a lot of work.

“I'm excited for everyone here and there is a lot to look forward to.”

At this stage, the above-mentioned fixtures are provisional and can change in the coming months.

While the tournament will be contested in a bio-bubble at the University of Pretoria, this too could change depending on the Covid-19 situation in the country.

All of the fixtures will be played in a bio-safe bubble and details surrounding this will be released in due course.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport