Tel Aviv Heat (Club Twitter)
Tel Aviv Heat, the Israeli team at the center of the controversy surrounding SA Rugby’s new competition, the Mzansi Challenge, say the decision to withdraw their invitation to the tournament came as a big surprise.
READ | Jewish SA board criticizes SA Rugby’s withdrawal of Israeli team from new competition
Last Friday, the governing body for rugby union in South Africa announced its decision to withdraw the invitation to the Tel Aviv Heat, who were scheduled to play the Mzansi Challenge.
“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.” Mark Alexander, president of the South African Rugby Union, said at the time.
In a statement posted on social media and on their website, the Tel Aviv Heat confirmed that at no point had SA Rugby approached them to discuss the decision.
“The Tel Aviv Heat were surprised and disappointed to learn of the decision taken by the South African Rugby Union (SARU) to withdraw their invitation to the Tel Aviv Heat to compete in the upcoming 2023 Mzansi Challenge.” says the statement.
“Although the statement issued publicly by SARU indicated that they had ‘listened to the views of significant stakeholder groups’, SARU did not consult with the Tel Aviv Heat, the Israel Rugby Union or the Israeli Embassy in South Africa prior to the decision.
“Since its founding in 2021, the growth and success of the Tel Aviv Heat on and off the pitch has been fueled by its rewarding and supportive team culture that brings together players, staff and a community of passionate fans bridging multiple cultures, races, nationalities and religions.
“Blocking participation in the Mzansi Challenge has deprived the Tel Aviv Heat of a strategic opportunity to continue their development as an elite professional rugby team and build valuable brand equity in South Africa and other Mzansi Challenge markets and unfairly punishes and demoralizes to players, coaches, staff and supporters in the midst of preparing for the competition.
“Tragically, although SARU indicated an intention to ‘avoid the likelihood of the competition becoming a source of division’, the decision to bar the Tel Aviv Heat from participating in the Mzansi Challenge will only sow further division in South Africa and beyond by reinforce voices dedicated to vilifying, demonizing and censoring those who do not share his views.
“In the end, SARU’s decision runs counter to the spirit and core values of rugby, promotes the politics of hate and retribution over the best interests of the sport, and exposes the Tel Aviv Heat and their supporters to the target of a aggressive and hateful language designed to intimidate, delegitimize and silence,” the statement concluded.
While SA Rugby has yet to name a team to take the place of the Tel Aviv Heat, they have nominated the Mexican Rhinos to replace them, pending General Council approval.
The Mzansi Challenge kicks off on March 24 with Diables (Spain), Simbas (Kenya), Welwitschias (Namibia) and Goshawks (Zimbabwe) joining South African Provinces, Leopards, Valke, Boland Kavaliers, Eastern Province, Border Bulldogs and SWD. Eagles.
