Al-Qalam 
Tel Aviv Heat withdrawn from Mzansi Challenge, writes Mark Alexader.
SA Rugby announced on Friday that it had withdrawn an invitation to the Tel Aviv Heat to play in the Mzansi Challenge, following representations from multiple stakeholders.
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 However, the team was advised on Friday that the invitation had been withdrawn.
The Mexican Rhinos have been earmarked to replace them, pending approval by the General Council.
“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 Mr. Mark Alexander, president of the South African Rugby Union.
The Mzansi Challenge kicks off on 24 March with the Diables (Spain), Simbas (Kenya), Windhoek Draught Welwitschias (Namibia), and Goshawks (Zimbabwe) joining South African provinces, Leopards, Valke, Boland Kavaliers, Eastern Province, Border Bulldogs, and SWD Eagles.
An adjusted fixture list will be issued in due course.
Issued by SA Rugby Communications
Pressure forces SARU to rescind invitation to Israeli rugby team
Palestinians welcome the decision by the South African Rugby Union (SARU – Springboks) to rescind an invitation to the Tel Aviv Heat, a team representing apartheid Israel, for the Mzansi Challenge set to kick off in March.
We thank the many South Africans, including those who campaigned against that country’s apartheid regime and SA BDS Coalition, for standing up for Palestinian rights and taking swift action to compel SARU to reverse the misguided decision.
SARU has done the right thing. Now SARU must take measures to ensure that this does not happen again, by immediately establishing a policy to exclude teams representing states committing war crimes and crimes against humanity such as apartheid Israel.
We join South African human rights campaigners in calling on all South African sports federations and unions to follow suit, and join efforts to expel apartheid Israel from international sporting bodies until it respects fundamental human rights, just as was done in the case of the South African apartheid regime.
Rugby should never side with apartheid.
#HaltApartheidRugbyTour
