S.African Rugby Union officials pledge support for Israeli rugby

image: 

Visiting officials from the S. African Rugby Union (SARU) ran a training session for Israel's rugby team at Kibbutz Yizreel today and pledged support for the fledgling sport in Israel. President of the SARU Oregan Hoskins spoke of his wish to fulfill a dream expressed by Israeli supporters of the sport that rugby become a bridge between Israeli and Palestinians. Springbok coach Peter de Villiers gave the Israeli players several hours of unique tips on how to improve their game with special focus on both technique and motivational talks. For more on the event, pictures and a video of the event ...

Under the auspices of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies and its Chairman Zeev Krengel and the Israeli-South Africa Forum under Wayne Sussman - the two S.A. rugby officials were brought to Israel to visit the country, its holy sites and also to engage with the local rugby players and officials.

SARU President Oregan Hoskins also pledged support for a rugby academy in Israel and said he was not only visiting Israel on behalf of SARU but also with the official blessing of the World Rugby Union of which is an executive member.

Milton Kaplan from Kibbutz Yizreel who organised the afternoon and evening event at the kibbutz described the visit as one of the most significant in Israeli rugby history which included attendence of Israeli Olympic Committee members and players from around the country. Kaplan said the Olympic Committee were impressed with the facilities at the kibbutz which has one of only two full sized rugby pitches in the country. 

Under pouring rain and unusually cold weather the Israeli under 18s were given a session by the legendary Peter de Villiers and then he gave a separate coaching session to the Israeli team - due to play Austria on the 9th of April at the Wingate Sports training centre near Netanya (at 15.00). de Villiers was named as the coach of South Africa's national team, the Springboks in January 2008, the first-ever non-white to be appointed to the position. He has since enjoyed such milestone successes as defeating the New Zealand All Blacks in Dunedin, a record victory over the Australian Wallabies that same year, a series victory over the British and Irish Lions and most recently the winning of the 2009 Tri Nations.

The guests  and all the players were then treated to a traditional S.African "Braai" (barbeque) at the Kibbutz clubhouse and exchanged gifts. Israeli Rugby Team's captain Nimrod Kaplan received a Springbok rugby jersey from SARU President Oregan Hoskins signed by all the current S.African team players.  South Africa's Springboks (known as bokkies) are seeking to defend their world rugby title in New Zealand in October at the World Rugby Cup competition.

Telfed was represented at the event by Chairman Maish Isaacson, Deputy Chairman Dave Bloom and Executive member Barry Kornel.

To see all the pictures - click on this link for our Facebook Page

To watch a video clip of Oregan Hoskins speech at Kibbutz Yizreel - click here

For more about Israel's rugby league and Rugby Union - see http://www.rugby.org.il