This year there will be extra entertainment with a Viking re-enactment on the pitch during the interval between the two games.

University of Leicester captain Ben Sedler said: “I wasn’t involved last year, but I was here in the crowd and now I’m looking forward to getting out on the pitch at Welford Road. We finished the season with two positive results, so we are looking forward to this one. We have concentrated on this as one of our goals for the season.”

Chris Phillips was in last year’s victorious De Montfort team and he will be vice-captain in this season’s rematch. “We started the season slowly but we have pulled together and have been improving. Nottingham University smashed everybody in our league but we went there and put 29 points on them, so we have had some good performances and results.

“It is a big thing for everyone to play at Welford Road and we’re really looking forward to it. We are hoping to put on a good game and we’re looking to make it two on the bounce after winning last year.”

De Montfort’s Amy Evans is hoping to lead her team to a first win in the annual fixture and said: “I played last year and it was a very defensive game, but we have been working hard and we are certainly looking to attack more this time.

The players realise what a privilege it is to play at Welford Road and so few people get the chance. They all want to put on a good show for the team and the university.”

Lucy Johnson captains a Leicester team defending their unbeaten run. And after playing in last year’s showcase, she cannot wait to try again.

“It is always a great occasion, the crowd makes a lot of noise and there is a good rivalry between the sides,” she said. “It is a big event for the universities, not just for the players. There will be a good crowd again and it is a very enjoyable occasion.”

The women’s rugby kicks off at 6pm, with the men’s to follow at 7.45. Tickets are £4 in advance or £6 on the night.