Page 12 - FWG 9 October 2021

Estate News

thomas bermaN aims to domiNate

breakdowN for the tel aviv heat

Fourways Gardens resident and Johannesburg-born
flanker Thomas Berman has signed for the Tel Aviv Heat

homas Berman is a classic modern where he played for the Young Guns and “I am really honoured to be part of this Tel
day opensider who burst onto the 1st XV. He also represented WITS in the Aviv Heat squad. It is an exciting time for
the scene by playing in every Varsity Cup 7s tournament. Israeli rugby and to be in such a prestigious
Tavailable 1st XV rugby match in his competition, as an openside flanker who lives
Grade 11 and Matric years at the famous A player who relies on his fitness and ability for a good steal at the breakdown, is a great
King Edward VII School in Houghton, to be in the right place at the right time is opportunity. I look forward to making the
Johannesburg, the alma mater of famous surely going to make an impact on the field. club proud…”
Springboks such as Bryan Habana and
Malcolm Marx. On his rugby Journey towards the Tel Aviv Kevin Musikanth, Director of Rugby and
Heat, Berman comments: Head Coach for Tel Aviv Heat, on Thomas
Berman was selected for one of the “I was fortunate enough to attend one of the Berman:
regional teams (Welpies) in his Matric year, most prestigious rugby boys’ schools in the ”Berman is a classic modern day opensider.
but elected to tour with the SA Maccabi country, King Edward VII. This paved the way History shows us that teams with genuine,
team at the 2017 Maccabiah Games in for my love of the game. I am very thankful competent fetchers are traditionally
Israel. While still a school boy, Berman’s to my coaches, Deon De Wet, Carl Spilhaus, successful in competitions. With the vast
skills, work rate, and ability to read the Senna Esterhuizen and Mzeke Nkosi, who number of breakdowns, players like Berman
game proved critical, helping to propel gave me my school boy rugby opportunities. thrive by being a menace when defending
South Africa to the gold medal in the 7s In 2017, I was selected for the SA Maccabi and, of course, as a Michael Hooper-style
and the silver medal in the 15s. rugby team which was coached by Kevin player, Berman has good ball carrying skills
Musikanth and the late James Small. Kevin as well. He is an underrated player in South
Since matriculating, Berman was chosen has mentored me during my rugby career Africa and he now gets his opportunity as a
as a Varsity Cup squad player at WITS, since then.” signed professional…”

www.telavivheat.com/post/thomas-berman-aims-to-dominate-breakdown-for-the-tel-aviv-heat

Fourways Gardens • 10 • October 2021