The finalists of the Carlton League will have the opportunity to test their mettle against international opposition when Israeli side Tel Aviv Heat tour South Africa during March and play three matches against Blue Bulls clubs.

Tel Aviv Heat competes in the Europe Super Cup Competition and has a number of South Africans such as Josh Strauss and Nic Groom, among others, playing for them. The team is also coached by a South African, Kevin Musikanth, who led the UCT Ikeys to Varsity Cup glory in 2014.

During the March tour, Tel Aviv is scheduled to face Naka Bulle, Northam Rhinos and a ‘Loftus 200’ team.

The teams will contest the Robert Denton Cup in honour of the late Blue Bulls Rugby Union administrator, who recently passed away.

The coaching staff for the Loftus 200 team consists of Morne Human (head coach: Naka Bulle), Flip de Kock (Northam Rhinos) and Danie Coetzee (former Vodacom Bulls and Springbok hooker), who is involved with Tuine Grizzlies Rugby Club.

Willem Strauss, Blue Bulls Rugby Union president, says this is a great opportunity to reward the best semi-professional players in the Bulls club structures.

“Club rugby is a priority of our administration and in which all of our stakeholders, shareholders, Jake White, Edgar Rathbone, and sponsors have bought into,” said Strauss.

According to Musikanth: “It’s truly fantastic to be able to be invited by the Blue Bulls Rugby Union to tour and give our talented squad exposure in one of the strongest rugby regions globally. This will be an amazing momentum builder for our new franchise as we prepare for the upcoming Rugby Europe Super Cup season.

“We cannot wait to play against top clubs and, of course, the opportunity to play against the Loftus 200 team as a tour finale. We are very grateful for this opportunity from the Blue Bulls Rugby Union.”

Tel Aviv Heat itenary:

19 March vs Northam Rhinos at Northam
23 March vs Naka Bulle at Naka Bulle
26 March vs Loftus 200 at Loftus Versfeld