Eight years of commitment, five training sessions a week, and an excellence scholarship: this is how rugby became the centre of 14-year-old Yehonathan Yaron’s life. “My dream is to play for Tel Aviv Heat,” he says.
While most kids his age are focused on social identity, peer pressure, and online trends, Yehonathan already knows exactly who he is — a rugby player for the Hadera Tel Mond club (Hadarim), with burning passion for the game and nearly a decade of experience on the pitch.
His dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed: Yehonathan is set to receive an Excellence in Sport Scholarship from the Tel Mond Local Council in recognition of his extraordinary commitment to a growing sport in Israel.
“I must’ve been about six,” Yehonathan recalls. “Mum and I were looking for after-school activities. We walked past a rugby field and she suggested football — I wasn’t interested.” His mother, Ofira, remembers that moment: “At a community fair, we saw two tall men in orange shirts passing a strange-looking ball. They invited Yehonathan to join in — he started running around and didn’t want to stop.”
What started as a spontaneous tryout quickly turned into a lifelong passion. “At first, it was the environment I loved,” Yehonathan explains. “Other sports felt more toxic. Rugby gave me the support I needed.”
Facing His Fears
Yehonathan admits the contact aspect of rugby was intimidating at first. “I used to get the ball, run, and stop before the tackle.” Over time, though, fear gave way to confidence. “Now I’ve got the mass and the strength to go in. Confidence is everything. Rugby accepts all shapes and sizes — I never felt I had to look a certain way. Once I realised I’d be playing forward, I started focusing more during training. I want to succeed on the pitch, and I know what it takes.”
Ofira says rugby has shaped her son in ways far beyond sport. “He learned not to be afraid, to be brave, and to push forward. What used to be challenges became strengths. His stubbornness turned into determination. He’s bigger than most kids his age, and rugby made that an asset. Tackling, scrums, rucks — that’s his bread and butter.”
“Hadarim Is My Second Home”
Yehonathan credits his club and coaches for nurturing his development. “Hadarim has the best coaching around. It’s like a second home. Our coaches drive us to give everything — not to get injured, but to give from the body and the heart. My coach, Shachar Reicher, once told me: ‘Just get in there. Don’t overthink. Trust your instincts and run.’ That stuck with me.”
Ofira agrees. “It’s a real family atmosphere. Coaches like Tomer, Lili, Thomas, and especially Shachar Reicher — who hosts end-of-season parties at his home — give their all. It’s more than training; it’s care, bonding, and fun.”
Dedication as a Way of Life
Yehonathan isn’t just showing up — he’s pushing himself beyond expectations. “I used to train twice a week. Now it’s four or five times, including sessions with the senior team and at Wingate. I even do strength training at night.” It’s demanding, Ofira admits. “Three practices a week, late-night workouts, weekend tournaments — it doesn’t leave much time for other things.” But Yehonathan wouldn’t have it any other way. “I love seeing results. I pay attention to sleep, food, and everything beyond practice. That’s how you grow.”
Natural Leadership
In a recent match, when the team captain was injured, Yehonathan stepped up. “I told the guys, ‘Heads up — you’re good,’ and we finished strong.”
He plays for the joy of it, not just the score. “One parent once asked the result,” says Coach Shachar Reicher. “I realised I hadn’t even checked — what mattered was that they had fun.”
Yehonathan’s upcoming scholarship is a proud moment — not just for his personal growth, but for the visibility it gives to rugby. “They’re recognising commitment and effort in rugby,” he says. “That means a lot.”
More Than Just a Sport
Rugby’s values resonate deeply with Yehonathan. “We respect each other more than in any other sport. Your opponent becomes your mate after the game. It’s like having another family.” Ofira laughs, remembering how he used to describe smashing into rivals and then heading off for burgers with them. “The Union is doing something special — building a culture of family, respect, and fair play.”
And Yehonathan’s ambitions? “I’m giving it everything to reach the top — my dream is to play for Tel Aviv Heat. I’ve seen their level. That’s where I want to go.”
For Ofira, her son already exemplifies everything worth celebrating: “He represents commitment, long-term perseverance, ambition, and a deep desire to develop rugby in Israel.”
In a world where teenagers often lose their way, Yehonathan Yaron has found his — with a not-so-round ball, on a muddy pitch, in a club that feels like home.
