Under less than ideal conditions, far from their home base in Israel. Tel Aviv Heat players and coaching staff are preparing for the Rugby Europe Super Cup semi-final against the Romanian Wolves in Budapest. After time on the Cypriot coast, where the team faced the Black Lions of Georgia, they were greeted upon arrival by the Hungarian capitals first day of snow. In tomorrow’s game – 14:30 Israel time – a temperature of about 7 degrees is expected, with some rain and wind on the menu.
“We are a team that likes to run, so obviously these conditions are not in our favor,” says Omer Levinson, Israeli international selected ad sub in the scrum-half position. He is one of three Israelis in the match day squad, alongside wing Ori Abutbul and flank Thomas Berman.
Levinson talks about the effects of the war: “Personally, I haven’t encountered any hostility towards us. I was told that in Valladolid (where Tel Aviv defeated the Iberians), two elderly women came to protest with Palestinian flags, but I didn’t notice. On the other hand, some of our security personnel in Cyprus were Hungarians. When they heard that we were coming to Budapest, they were ecstatic and arranging some fans to support us.”
The other aspect, of course, is the squad. Two Israeli players, Yotam Shulman and Ifan Eisenberg, had to leave the team due to war related issues. “Playing rugby in the name of Israel is the best we can do in this situation. We’re not in the army or in any other significant role back home. So, we’ll do our best here to represent the country and Israeli rugby,” says Levinson. The representation doesn’t end on the field. While in Lisbon, where the Heat defeated the local Lusitanos, Levinson and his Israeli and Fijian teammates participated in a rally in support of the hostages held by Hamas.
At the Jersey presentation ceremony, special applause are given to some players. Like Semi Kunatani, the Fijian number 8 and arguably the standout player of the entire competition. Team captain, Namibia international Prince Gauseb has simple words: “Don’t think about the final. Only about tomorrow. That is our final,” he says. Head Coach Kevin Musikanth reminds the players of their pedigree:”We have players who have been to the World Cup, played in the Curry Cup, the Premiership, the Israeli national team, or won Olympic gold medals. We have a clear game plan, and we should be in the final next week.”
Heat officials are grateful to Hungarian rugby for organising the event on short notice. Including, besides the game, coordinating the TV broadcast, hospitality, joint events, and even a boat trip for both teams once rugby is over. The Israeli ambassador in Hungary, Yacov Hadas, will be the Heat’s guest of honour. The Romanian ambassador to Hungary will also attend to support his compatriots,
