SA-based Israeli lobby groups threaten SA Rugby with PAIA action after Tel Aviv Heat withdrawal

The backlash from Tel Aviv Heat's forced withdrawal from the Mzansi Challenge at the hands of SA Rugby isn't subsiding, with the South African Friends of Israel considering a Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) application if SA Rugby doesn't explain how they arrived at axing the Israeli side.

The organisation, along with the South Africa Zionist Federation, have taken exception to SA Rugby's decision to cut Tel Aviv Heat from the tournament, with SAFI giving SA Rugby until Wednesday to furnish them with meeting minutes and the stakeholders that SA Rugby consulted before they came to their decision.

Earlier this month, SA Rugby withdrew the Israeli side from the Mzansi Challenge set to start on 24 March.

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In a statement, SAFI said they will launch a PAIA application on Thursday morning if SA Rugby doesn't accede to their request.

SAFI's reaction follows that of New Zealand-based lawyer Ian Dunwoodie, who laid a complaint with World Rugby in his own capacity with regards to the Heat's axing from the tournament.

Through their spokesperson Pamela Ngubane, SAFI said it was unfortunate that SA Rugby bowed to political pressure to make what they felt was an incorrect decision.

"Following the ANC's press statement commending SA Rugby's decision, SAFI remains concerned that political interference, and alleged death threats from the anti-Semitic Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, may have contributed to the decision-making process," Ngubane said.

"It is sad to see that Israel, as the only democracy in the Middle East, is being treated in this manner by a South African sporting entity."

When News24 contacted SA Rugby president Mark Alexander