Ori Bordovsky (18) and Adam Hadary (19) have recently returned from an intensive professional training camp in Romania. Both grew up together through the Tel Aviv youth system, which began as ASA Tel Aviv and now operates under Maccabi Tel Aviv. They represent a first generation of homegrown Israeli players – with no family rugby background, but with genuine passion for the game.
Ori shares: “I started playing at thirteen when some of my friends played through school. The physicality and honesty of the sport drew me in – you can’t play rugby in half-clutch.”
Adam adds: “I also joined at thirteen, through Itay Oslon. At my first training session I had no idea what to expect, but I quickly understood the whole passing flow. I felt I had to come back again just to learn how to pass properly, and after a few sessions I realized this was the sport for me.”
Their path runs through Tel Aviv – a city that today holds one of the strongest development systems in Israel.
Ori explains:
“I live in Tel Aviv with my family, which allows me to focus on the sport completely, without too many other concerns. My family is a bit uneasy watching me play because of the physicality of rugby, so they don’t come to cheer often – although I’ve caught them watching European Championship matches live on TV, and they actually enjoy it very much.”
Adam describes a similar environment: “I felt the club was like a second family and that I had a place to grow within it. Now we’re part of Maccabi – a positive change for the team’s future, especially thanks to the professional setup we now have. My parents support me a lot and push me to train hard and improve. Throughout my time in rugby I’ve met many people who guide and support me, like Miki (Michal Weitzman) and Gilad Goldstein, who trains me personally.”
For both of them, the training camp in Romania was their first true professional test outside Israel. They joined a leading club, trained with the senior squad and the U20s, and stepped into the demanding routine of professional rugby.
Ori describes: “At first everything feels foreign, especially since most people there don’t speak English. You join a machine that’s already running, and you need to adapt very quickly. The players welcomed us warmly, and the coaches too – everyone helped where needed.”
Adam adds: “It was interesting to see how their style of play differs from Israel’s, and how they train and prepare their bodies. I really connected with the coach and felt he genuinely cared about his team.”
The two shared an apartment just a five-minute walk from the training facility.
“The day starts early,” they say. “Morning session with the senior squad, then gym, lunch and rest, followed by a personal session with Capansa – a Steaua player who was our personal coach – and later another session with the U20s.”
Ori and Adam joined three Israelis already training with the senior squad: Nitzan Reizel, Yishai Avrahami, and Maayan Levinson. Their presence eased the transition and added a family-like feeling.
Ori shares: “It was great to land and immediately see familiar faces. They explained everything to us at the beginning and helped us integrate. I also played one match with the club’s second senior team, together with Yishai and Maayan. Traveling far and taking the field with them in another country – that’s a special experience.
There were also funny Israeli touches – hearing Pe’er Tasi songs suddenly in the gym, or spotting flashes of that uniquely aggressive ‘Israeli rugby style’ on the field.”
Adam adds: “Nitzi already taught them a bunch of Hebrew words, and everyone laughed when Hebrew music started playing during training sessions.”
The Romania experience gave both players a new point of view on the game and on professional development.
Ori: “I was surprised that the level isn’t dramatically different between Romanian rugby and Israeli rugby. We felt that if we put in our U20 players, they would not fall short in level or physicality against anyone there. The only difference is consistency and training standards – that’s what creates the gap.”
Adam: “During the camp I focused on agility and running technique, things I hadn’t emphasized enough before. I was surprised how much improvement I made in such a short time.”
Back in Israel – A Clear Direction Forward
Ori: “I’d like to bring back to Israeli rugby the idea of showing up every day – no excuses and no skipping sessions. Even if you’re injured or don’t feel like training. That consistency is the X-factor that separates Romanian rugby from Israeli rugby – there’s no talent gap at all.”
Adam: “My goal for the upcoming season is to win the championship with Maccabi and continue working hard to improve.”
Advice for the Next Generation:
Ori: “I’d recommend young players build the strongest base possible. In Israel we often lack youth structures, so the jump to senior rugby can be hard. But if you build a solid base of fitness, strength, size, and personal skills – you can succeed even without a tight framework.”
Adam: “You have to work hard even when no one is watching – whether in the gym or on the field – and believe in yourself and in your path, even if there are people who underestimate you or try to bring you down.”
We wish Ori Bordovsky and Adam Hadary success as they continue their journey – to keep developing, stay committed, and help lead the next generation of Israeli rugby to the next level.