SA Rugby Chairman Mark Alexander during the South African national rugby union team arrival press conference at OR Tambo International Airport on November 5, 2019 (Photo by Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images)
SA Rugby announced on Friday that its invitation to the Israeli rugby union team, Tel Aviv Heat, to play in the recently announced Mzansi Challenge had been withdrawn.
This decision was made after representations from various interested parties.
Pending General Council approval, SA Rugby has appointed the Mexican Rhinos to replace them.
“We have listened to the views of important interest groups and have taken this decision to prevent the competition from becoming a source of division, despite the fact that Israel is a full member of World Rugby and the IOC.” said Mark Alexander, president of the South African Rugby Union in a statement released to the media.
The Mzansi Challenge kicks off on March 24 with Diables (Spain), Simbas (Kenya), Windhoek Draft Welwitschias (Namibia) and Goshawks (Zimbabwe) joining the South African Provinces, Leopards, Valke, Boland Kavaliers, Eastern Province, Border Bulldogs, and SWD Eagles.
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