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The newly promoted Northern Free State outfit will travel in round one of the world's oldest domestic competition when they tackle the Sharks in Durban.

While the Griffons have not been in the top tier of South African rugby for more than 20 years, they take confidence from their stellar 2022 season in the First Division.

The Griffons' hooker, Dandré Delport, told OFM Sport that it will be tough, but they are looking forward to it.

"Last year was a great season for the Griffons," said the player who helped out at the Cheetahs last year.

"The Griffons being named the Team of the Season and Jaywinn Juries being named the First Division Player of the Season just shows what a great season 2022 was for us.

"We are very proud of that accomplishment, but with that, we are really looking forward to playing in the Premier Division. It's going to be a challenge, but we have warm-up games to sharpen up for the 11th of March when we play against the Sharks in Durban. We are definitely looking forward to that.

"On a personal level, it is a great opportunity moving from the First Division to the Premier Division. As a player, you want to compete at a higher level, so it's a great opportunity.

"It's going to be a great challenge, but we look forward to it and we are ready."

The 2023 Currie Cup season kicks off on the weekend of 10/11 March.

OFM Sport Morgan Piek