SA Rugby said on Friday that the Tel Aviv Heat’s invitation to compete in the Mzansi Challenge had been rescinded in response to concerns from several stakeholders.
Beginning next month, the Israeli team was planned to compete among four other overseas teams and six South African provinces. On Friday, though, the squad was informed that the invitation had been revoked.
The Mexican Rhinos have been designated to replace them, pending General Council approval.
Despite the fact that Israel is a full member of World Rugby and the IOC, Mr. Mark Alexander, head of the South African Rugby Union, said the decision was made to prevent the tournament from becoming a source of divisiveness.
On March 24, the Diables (Spain), Simbas (Kenya), Windhoek Draught Welwitschias (Namibia), and Goshawks (Zimbabwe) will join the South African provinces, Leopards, Valke, Boland Kavaliers, Eastern Province, Border Bulldogs, and SWD Eagles in the Mzansi Challenge.
Airlink Pumas (defending champions), Vodacom Bulls, Windhoek Draught Griquas, Cell C Sharks, DHL Western Province, Toyota Cheetahs, Sigma Lions, and Down Touch Griffons are the participating teams.
Opening round: March 10/11 (double round of matches)
Final: June 24
Currie Cup First Division & Mzanzi Challenge
Leopards, Valke, Boland Kavaliers, Eastern Province, Border Bulldogs, SWD Eagles [Currie Cup First Division]; Diables (Spain), Simbas (Kenya), Windhoek Draught Welwitschias (Namibia), Tel-Aviv Heat (*Now withdrawn), and Gohawks (Zimbabwe] [Mzanzi Challenge].
The highest-placed South African team in the Currie Cup First Division will be crowned league champions.
Opening round: February 10/11
Mzansi Challenge Final: 17 June
Women’s Premier Division
Border Ladies (defending champions), DHL Western Province, EP Queens, Boland Dames, Blue Bulls Women, Cell C Sharks Women, Mastercard Golden Lions Women are the competing teams.
Initial round and finale: Unknown
Women’s Division One
Leopards, Valke, Limpopo, Pumas, Free State, Griffons, Griquas, SWD are the participating teams.
Initial round and finale: Unknown
SA Under-20 Rugby Cup
Lions (defending champions), DHL Western Province, Vodacom Bulls, Cell C Sharks, Leopards, Toyota Cheetahs, and Valke are competing teams.
Opening round: February 17/18 (single round of matches)
Final: 6 April
SA Under-21 Rugby Cup
Vodacom Bulls, Toyota Cheetahs, Leopards, Lions, Cell C Sharks, and DHL Western Province are competing teams.
Opening round: August 18/19 (single round of matches)
Final: October 14
SA Under-21 Rugby Shield
Boland, Border, Eastern Province, Griffons, Griquas, Limpopo, Pumas, SWD, and Valke are the participating teams.
Opening round: August 4/5 (single round of matches)
Final: October 14
»SA Rugby rescind invitation to Israeli team«