The defending Currie Cup champions, the Sharks, will get the 2019 edition of the competition under way when they host Griquas on 12 July.

The fixtures of both the Premier and First Division were announced by SA Rugby on Wednesday. The Currie Cup First Division will kick off on the weekend of 5-6 July, with the Border Bulldogs coming into the competition for the Namibian team, who have decided to withdraw.

The defending First Division champions, the SWD Eagles, start their campaign with a tough trip to the East Rand to face the Valke.

The Jaguares XV from Argentina, who start their campaign with a trip to Welkom to face the Griffons, will be based in Potchefstroom.

The Currie Cup Premier Division will culminate in the semi-finals on the last weekend of August, while the final will take place on Saturday, 7 September. The First Division final is scheduled for Friday, 30 August.

Premier Division fixtures:

Friday 12 July

7:15pm: Sharks v Griquas

Saturday 13 July

3pm: Golden Lions v Pumas

5:15pm: Western Province v Vodacom Blue Bulls

Friday 19 July

5pm:  Griquas v Pumas

7:15pm: Blue Bulls v  Free State Cheetahs

Saturday 20 July

2pm: Sharks v Western Province

Friday 26 July

7:15pm: Pumas v Vodacom Blue Bulls

Saturday 27 July

3pm: Toyota Free State Cheetahs v Tafel Lager Griquas

5:15pm: Western Province v Golden Lions

Friday 2 August

7:15pm: Free State Cheetahs v Golden Lions

Saturday 3 August

3pm: Pumas v Sharks

5:15pm: Blue Bulls v Griquas

Friday 9 August

3pm: Western Province v Pumas

Saturday 10 August

3pm: Sharks v Free State Cheetahs

5:15pm:  Golden Lions v Blue Bulls

Friday 16 August

7pm: Griquas v Western Province

Saturday 17 August

2pm: Pumas v Free State Cheetahs

Sunday 18 August

2pm: Golden Lions v Sharks

Saturday 24 August

3pm: Griquas v Golden Lions

5:15pm: Free State Cheetahs v Western Province

7:30pm: Blue Bulls v Sharks

Saturday 31 August – Semi-finals

Saturday 7 September – Final

Photo: Gordon Arons/Gallo Images