Israel hosts international teams
"To me, it shows how the rugby world is connected and demonstrates the spirit of Israelis, and Rugby Israel's determination to get on with it," says Melbourne-based South African ex-pat Carl Sachs.
“It’s really admirable that, amid wartime, Rugby Israel is hosting its first international regional rugby tournament, which has already featured some high quality matches in recent weeks,” Melbourne-based South African ex-pat and mad rugby fan Carl Sachs told The AJN last Friday, before flying to Israel for a brief trip which will include watching a match.
“To me, it shows how the rugby world is connected and demonstrates the spirit of Israelis, and Rugby Israel’s determination to get on with it.”
The inaugural series is about two-thirds through, with near weekly fixtures at Kibbutz Yizreel, and is the brainstorm of Rugby Israel’s technical director Kevin Musikanth, who is also the head coach of the Tel Aviv Heat Europe SuperCup franchise, and Israel’s national team.
So far, regional Israeli sides the Northern Stars and Golden Jackals – comprised of Israeli national team members, emerging talent from Israel’s domestic clubs and some Israel-based foreign players – have played each other and a Fijian side called Ai Matai.
On May 24, a Georgian-based team called Amia will replace Ai Matai in the tournament, when they take on the Jackals.
Recent results include the Jackals beating the Stars 23-17, Ai Matai defeating the Stars 27-19, a thrilling 21-20 win for the Jackals over Ai Matai, and an epic 30-all draw between the Jackals and the Stars.
The matches have drawn some decent crowds and most games are streamed on Rugby Israel’s YouTube channel, with regular updates provided via Facebook.
Musikanth is appreciative of the visiting teams’ participation.
“We told them there is no obligation to be here [in a time of war], and in the end, they all chose to stay.”
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