Cape Town - The fixtures for the 2015 Varsity Cup have been released amid much fanfare and excitement from the South African rugby community.
The new season once again promises much in terms of excitement-filled student rugby fuelled by youthful flair and an attacking approach.
In last year’s final, the UCT Ikeys snatched victory from the jaws of defeat against Pukke at the Fanie du Toit Sports Grounds in Potchefstroom.
A last-gasp, injury time converted try which came after a drop kick charge down on the stroke of full time enabled the men from Cape Town to lift the trophy. The Ikeys counter attack and try which followed will long live on in Varsity Cup folklore as one of the tournament’s enduring moments - the comeback of all comebacks.
The first round of fixtures which commence on February 9 dishes up a tantalising match-up between Ikeys and Maties.
The game, to be played at the UCT rugby fields, will feature Ikeys in their capacity as defending champions, and Maties as the most decorated team in the history of the Varsity Cup. The other opening fixture on the same evening will see Pukke host last season’s semi-finalists NMMU Madibaz at the Fanie du Toit Sports Grounds in Potchefstroom.
Newly promoted Central University of Technology (who replaced Wits in the Varsity Cup) will also host UJ in Bloemfontein for their very first Varsity Cup match. UJ will be on the offensive display as they have no interest in returning to the relegation quagmire they were involved in last year.
Lastly, Shimlas also take on Tuks at Shimla Park in Bloemfontein to conclude the first round's action.
If last year’s heart-stopping moments are anything to go by, the 2015 edition of the Varsity Cup will once again provide more than its share of legendary moments.