After winning promotion for three successive seasons, Israel’s rugby team is finding life more difficult in Europe Division 2A – the fourth highest league.
Israel were outmuscled but not outclassed in their opening match against Switzerland, going down 28-18 in front of 2,500 fans at the Wingate Institute.
Switzerland led 15-6 at half time and although Ori Abutbol went over the line, the visitors had too much.
Israel coach Raanan Penn said: "We performed well against a very strong side that has several players in France’s top division."