South African Rugby Union withdraws invitation to Tel Aviv Heat

The South African Rugby Union said on Friday that it had withdrawn an invitation to Israeli rugby team the Tel Aviv Heat to play in the Mzansi Challenge tournament due to the objections of several stakeholders.

According to the union, the Heat was scheduled to play in the tournament with four other international teams and six teams from South African provinces, but the team was informed that the invitation had been withdrawn.

The Mexican Rhinos were selected to replace the Heat, but this must first be approved by the union's General Council.

Avoiding division?

The Mzansi challenge will take place on March 24, featuring Kenya's Simbas, Namibia's Windhoek Draught Welwitschias, Zimbabwe's Goshawks and Spain's Diables.

The teams from South African provinces participating in the competition include the Boland Kavaliers, Eastern Province, Border Bulldogs, Leopards, Valke and SWD Eagles.

“We have listened to the opinions of important stakeholder groups and have taken this decision to avoid the likelihood of the competition becoming a source of division, notwithstanding the fact that Israel Is a full member of World Rugby and the IOC,” said SA Rugby President Mark Alexander.

MK Dan Illouz (Likud) responded to the incident on Twitter and wrote that "Israel and South Africa share a vision of freedom. We expect our partners to fight the BDS movement and not surrender to it. Sport is a bridge for friendship and must be allowed to rise above petty and divisive politics."

Zvika Klein contributed to this report.