SA Rugby said on Friday that the Tel Aviv Heat’s invitation to compete in the Mzansi Challenge had been rescinded in response to concerns from several stakeholders.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On Friday, though, the squad was informed that the invitation had been revoked.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.
Mark Alexander, president of the South African Rugby Union, stated, “We have listened to the opinions of key stakeholder groups and have made this decision to avoid the competition becoming a source of division, despite the fact that Israel is a full member of World Rugby and the IOC.”
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.
A revised fixture list will be released in due time.
»SA Rugby withdraws Mzansi Challenge invitation to Tel Aviv Heat«