The Embassy of Italy has renewed its collaboration with the Blue Bulls Rugby Union, aiming to promote Italian culture and cuisine well beyond the world of rugby.
On the occasion of the 17th round of the United Rugby Championship (URC), the Vodacom Bulls will take on the Italian team, Zebre Parma. The match is scheduled for Saturday, May 9th, 2026, at Loftus Stadium, where the Embassy of Italy will present the “Loftus Festa Italiana”. The event will showcase Italian food and wine, culture, and craftsmanship, with Adrenaline Show Productions serving as the logistics partner.
This collaboration spans several areas, including the promotion of authentic “Made in Italy” products and a significant educational component.
Promotion
Starting from 11:00 AM on May 9th, the “Loftus Festa Italiana” will offer an immersive experience into Italian culture, blending a passion for rugby with Italy’s timeless traditions. The public will have the opportunity to enjoy authentic Italian cuisine, sip on an espresso, and enjoy live Italian music, ranging from traditional to modern sounds. In true Italian style, the event will also feature a display of iconic Italian automobiles, symbolizing the country’s excellence in design and manufacturing. This partnership continues to pave the way for South African businesses looking to engage with Italian partners.
Please browse the gallery at the bottom of this page for the full program of the day.
Culture and Entertainment
Dino Moran, an Italian-South African DJ, will be performing at the decks throughout the day, joining the Vodacom Bulls’ resident DJs and other live entertainment organized for the occasion.
Education
On May 8th, a Masterclass will be held at Pretoria High School for Boys, focusing on the realities of being a professional player and a team manager. Led by members of the Zebre team during their visit to South Africa, the Masterclass will explore the requirements for young athletes and students to achieve their dreams of becoming professionals and enhancing their future performance.
Furthermore, an educational element will be featured through the participation of 5 Italian Universities. This initiative aims to open a direct channel for South Africans interested in studying in Italy, utilizing the official UNIVERSITALY – Study in Italy platforms. Additionally, on Monday, May 11th at 10:00 AM (South African time), a webinar will be held featuring 17 Italian universities for the first time. To register for the webinar, please visit the following page: Registration form Study in Italy
Vodacom Bulls vs. Benetton Treviso (Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria, 16.05.2026)
The collaboration continues on Saturday, May 16th, when the Vodacom Bulls face Benetton at 4:00 PM in the final round before the play-offs. To celebrate the presence of the two Italian teams, a special ticket offer is available: tickets for both matches can be purchased for R60.00 in the SS block.
