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Tel Aviv Heat slam SA Rugby decision in strongly worded statement

Akaki Tabutsadze of Black Lion scores a try during the Rugby Europe Super Cup 2021 Eastern Conference round 1 match between Black Lion and Tel-Aviv Heat at Avchala Rugby Stadium on October 16, 2021 in Tbilisi, Georgia. (Photo by Levan Verdzeuli/Getty Images)

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.

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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 ā€œthe invitation had been withdrawnā€.

South African Rugby Union president Mark Alexander said: ā€œWe 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.ā€

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The Israeli side are furious at the decision. A statement from the club reads: ā€œThe 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.

ā€œThough the statement issued publicly by SARU indicated they had ā€œlistened to the opinions of important stakeholder groupsā€, SARU did not consult with the Tel Aviv Heat, the Israel Rugby Union, or the Israeli Embassy in South Africa prior to the decision.

ā€œSince 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.

ā€œBlocking 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.

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ā€œTragically, though SARU indicated the intention ā€œto avoid the likelihood of the competition becoming a source of divisionā€, 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.

ā€œIn 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.ā€

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

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Comments

22 Comments
J
JS 822 days ago

I am so sick of spineless sport administrators who kowtow to politics. Life is difficult enough without this type of uncalled for action. Sport gets people together and long lasting friendships are created. Excluding people / sportsmen in this way ;imits dialog and understanding. If SA Rugby continue down this road i will wave them goodbye as i did SA cricket. 😔

N
Nonofyour 826 days ago

Thx mods

ļæ½
הטיב 828 days ago

To exclude Jews because they are Jews is disgusting. This decision 'sews more division.' Israel is a multicultural state with all races represented. SARU are cowards and antisemites. Pandering to terrorist sympathizers is typical of an #anc agenda driven rugby union. However, it is SA national policy to malign Jews and Israel. The South African #anc government (beni zonot) supports terror group #hamas as well as other Islamist groups. Am Yisrael Chai!

M
Michael86 828 days ago

This doesn't exclude Jews only Israel.. get your facts straight. Don't make an Israeli issue a Jewish issue

M
Michael86 829 days ago

There's no place in rugby for the oppressors

B
BG 829 days ago

Obviously referring to South Africa, the great oppressors.

m
manu 829 days ago

Get a grip mate

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