Tel Aviv Heat slam SA Rugby decision in strongly worded statement

Tel Aviv Heat have hit out at the SA Rugby after their invite to join the Mzansi Challenge in South Africa was binned on the basis of politics.

The Israel-based team were scheduled to compete in a competition with four other international teams and six South African provinces from next month. However, the team was advised by SA Rugby on Friday that "the invitation had been withdrawn".

South African Rugby Union president Mark Alexander said: “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."

The Israeli side are furious at the decision. A statement from the club reads: "The Tel Aviv Heat was surprised and disappointed to learn of the decision taken by the South African Rugby Union (SARU) to withdraw its invitation to the Tel Aviv Heat to compete in the upcoming 2023 Mzansi Challenge.

"Though the statement issued publicly by SARU indicated they had “listened to the opinions of important 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 Tel Aviv Heat’s growth and success on and off the field has been driven by its rewarding and supportive team culture that brings together players, staff, and a community of passionate supporters that bridge multiple cultures, races, nationalities, and religions.

"Blocking participation in the Mzansi Challenge has deprived the Tel Aviv Heat of a strategic opportunity to continue its development as an elite professional rugby team and to build valuable brand equity in South Africa and other Mzansi Challenge markets and unjustly punishes and demoralizes players, coaches, staff, and supporters in the midst of preparing for the competition.

"Tragically, though SARU indicated the intention “to avoid the likelihood of the competition becoming a source of division”, the decision to block the Tel Aviv Heat from participating in the Mzansi Challenge will only sow further division in South Africa and beyond by bolstering voices dedicated to vilify, demonize, and censor those who do not share their views.

"In the end, SARU’s decision runs contrary to the spirit and core values of rugby, promotes the politics of hatred and retribution over the best interests of sport, and exposes the Tel Aviv Heat and its supporters to being targeted by aggressive, hateful language designed to intimidate, delegitimize, and silence."

The Mexican Rhinos have been earmarked to replace them, pending approval.