Georgia Rugby Union Established in 1964 as Tbilisi Rugby Federation. Re-formed in 1966 into Georgia Rugby Federation. Re-branded in 1989 as Georgia Rugby Union. World Rugby (iRB) and Rugby Europe (FIRA, AER) member since 1992.
President Giorgi Nijaradze (since 2007)
Motto ragbi Cveni TamaSia! ragbi chveni tamashia! Rugby is our Game!
Head Office 49A Ilia Tchavtchavadze Avenue Tbilisi, 0162, Georgia
Georgia RU logo is an old Caucasian sign, called *Borjghali* - in form of a rotating cross which symbolizes *Eternity of Life* 2
Phone: +995 32 220 45 35 / 65 Fax: +995 32 222 65 96 E-mail: office@rugby.ge Website: http://rugby.ge Twitter: https://twitter.com/GeorgianRugby Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/GeorgianRugbyUnion Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/georgianrugby Rugby-First Booklet
National Academy of Rugby Shevardeni 40 Bogdan Khmelnitsky Street Tbilisi, 0121, Georgia Phone: +995 32 220 42 75
Refs Education Centre Avtchala 27 Davit Sarajishvili Avenue Tbilisi, 0153, Georgia Phone: +995 32 248 31 12
Host of prominent international comps Junior WR Trophy 2011 WR (iRB) Tbilisi Cup 2013, 2014, 2015 Junior WR Championship 2017
2015 Participation numbers * 68 clubs * 7 019 registered players (rise of 32.7% since 2011) among them 1 533 adults, 1 801 youngsters, 3 685 kids * 229 registered coaches * (exactly) 100 registered refs
Totally unofficial
Giorgi Nijaradze President, Georgia RU 3
Domestic comps Domestically Georgian rugby is organized into club Leagues. There are no regional, provincial, city, country unions etc The season runs: for men - from September to May (there is a winter break in January) for youth - from March to May and from September to November.
Didi Ati (Big 10) Lelo Saracens Tbilisi Lokomotivi (Railways) Tbilisi Qochebi (Rams) Bolnisi Batumi Batumi Kharebi (Bulls) Rustavi Aia Kutaisi Armazi Tbilisi Jiki (Panther) Gori Armia Tbilisi Akademia Tbilisi 4
Currently, as for 2015/16, there are three senior and two junoir leagues.
* * * * *
Division One (8 clubs) Division Two (6 clubs in East + 7 clubs in West) U18 League (20 clubs) U16 League (33 clubs) U14, U12, U10 play Festivals on weekends
Premiers since 1990 Lokomotivi 9 titles; Lelo 5; Qochebi, Aia 3; Batumi 2; Armia, Rustavi, Gumary 1 Rugby-First Booklet
From Lelo to Rugby via ... Georgians have been playing their own rugby - Lelo’burti since times immemorial. The game was free-for-all form of folk football, the ball (burti) symbolizing the Sun. Village vied with village, uppies with downies, or the vast squads were assembled on tribal lines. The original, pagan passtime later was adopted by the Orthodox Church: priest blessing a red ball at Easter and throwing it up to the players. And, of course, the game was used as a tested form of military training. Lelo is still alive both in old (held at holidays) and modern forms (on rugby pitch, 12-a-side) Its goal is to carry, throw, kick or roll heavy, 5 kg ball over the opposition’s end-line. Forward passing is permitted and of course, there is no law prohibiting side entry at tackle.
Totally unofficial
Ancient Lelo, in imagination of a modern painter, and Lelo Federation logo (2013) 5
To Rugby via ... Gridiron 80 years ago, on 24/05/1935, American football (Gridiron) was introduced to Soviet Georgia as rugby, due to branding mix-up and lack of contacts with outer world. By 1940 Georgian students and servicemen have already switched to proper, Union rules. In 1947, Tbilisi even hosted first post WWII, inter-city Soviet tournament but lost all games heavily and abandoned the *non-Olympic, bizarre brutality*
1935 mix-up: American football was presented as rugby in opposition to *British football*
It was not until a decade later, that a native of Marseille, Jacques Haspekian, formed a team at the Georgia Polytechnical Institute (GPI) and held first training session at Saburtalo Racecourse on 15/10/1959 This make the Qochebi’s claim of being the oldest Georgian rugby club perfectly valid. Guru Jacques Haspekian with GPI - Qochebi (Rams) in 1962 6
Rugby-First Booklet
Pre-Independence From 1923 to 1991 Georgia has been a *Socialist Republic* within Soviet Union. For this reason, Georgia had no right to field a National side. Instead, several of its top clubs - *de facto* regional selections - were involved in Soviet leagues whilst other teams - mostly at universities - played in local comps. This ended in 1990 when fully fledged National championship was established.
Georgian Clubs in Soviet Comps
Aia of Kutaisi won three Soviet Premierships and two Soviet Cups in 1980s Totally unofficial
Aia Kutaisi
Gold Silver Bronze Cup
1987 1988 1989 1984 1985 1987 1990
Lokomotivi Tbilisi
Silver 1967 Bronze 1968 1972 1978 1981 Cup 1978
Dinamo Tbilisi
Silver
Gantiadi Tbilisi
Bronze 1963
1966
7
FIRA-ENC-REC + Antim Cup Georgia played its inaugural test on 12/09/1989, beating Zimbabwe 16-3 in Kutaisi.
ENC+REC Winners (Official)
In autumn 1993 Georgia made its debut at FIRA Champs Level 5, just drawing 10-10 in Luxembourg.
Georgia 8 2001 2007+08 2009 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Romania 4 2000 2002 2005+06 2010 Portugal 1 2003+04
On 20/10/1996 Georgia beat ex-rulers Russia for the first time, 29-20 in Tbilisi, setting a trend.
Annual 6NB Winners (Informal)
Since 2000 Georgia participates in re-formed European Nations Cup (ENC) which has been re-branded as *Rugby Europe* Championship (REC) this year. During 13 editions of ENC-REC Georgia never finished outside top 3, winning 8 titles in all, topping annual standings 10 times out of 16, and compteling 5 Slams. Since 2002 Georgia and Romania contest Antim Cup, named after the common Orthodox Saint. The Lelos currenty lead the series by 9 to 5.
Georgia 10 2001^ 2005 2007 2008^ 2009 2011^ 2012 2013 2014^ 2015^ Romania 5 2000 2002^ 2004 2006 2010 Portugal 1 2003^ ^ Slam (5 wins)
Winners of 2-year RWC (Pre-)Qualifiers Romania 2 2001+02 2005+06 Georgia 2 2009+10 2013+14
Antim Cup Holders (2002-2015) Georgia 9-5 Romania
8
Rugby-First Booklet
1996 team has set a trend which continues to these days Totally unofficial
9
ENC - REC Totals (2000-2015) 16 years
Pts.%
Y
Georgia
85.6
16 80 64-12*4 $10
8
10 5
-
Romania
78.4
16 80 58-20*2 $15
4
5
1
-
Russia
62.2
15 74 42-29*3 $10
-
-
-
-
Morocco
60.0
5 _3-_2
-
-
-
#
Portugal
48.1
16 80 35-42*3 $_8
1
1
1
-
Spain
36.1
14 70 21-46*3 $11
-
-
-
1
Czechia
20.7
6 29 _6-23
-
-
-
1
Belgium
15.0
2 10 _0-_9*1 $_4
-
-
-
1
Holland
6.7
3 15 _1-14
-
-
-
1
Ukraine
6.3
4 20 _1-19__ $_1
-
-
-
2
Germany
1.7
3 15 _0-15__ $_1
-
-
-
1
1
P _W-L*D $B
REC 6NB SL RL
Pts% = (4*W + 2*D + B) / (4*P) * 100 B bonus, SL slam, RL relegated, # excluded
10
Georgia has been keeping a hold on the Antim Cup since 2011
Georgia versus Arch-Rivals UNION SINCE P (H A N)
W-L*D
Russia Portugal Romania Spain
17-1*1 476-224 52/13 13-4*2 440-265 51/16 10-8*1 347-339 27/29 12-3*1 509-253 70/26
1993 1997 1998 2000
19 19 19 16
(10 (9 (8 (8
6 10 9 8
3) 0) 2) 0)
F-A
T
Rugby-First Booklet
RWC 2015 Qualifiers Georgia qualified for RWC 2015 via 2-year ENC cycle, playing 10 matches. They have secured the coveted berth after Round 8, beating Russia 36-10 in Tbilisi on 22/02/2014 Georgia finished atop and joined Pool *C* by defeating Romania at home 22-9 on 15/03/2014
ENC 2013 02/02 09/02 23/02 09/03 16/03
Bruxelles Vake Sochi Vake Bucharest
Belgium (B) Georgia Russia Georgia (B) Romania
13-17 25-12 _9-23 61-18 _9-_9
Georgia Portugal Georgia Spain Georgia
Avtchala Lisbon National Madrid Vake
Totally unofficial
2013+2014 Pts Georgia Romania Russia Spain Portugal Belgium
41 38 28 15 12 6
Diff +180 +136 -30 -84 -77 -125
T
F-A
32/_6 22/_7 28/25 15/23 10/21 11/36
286-106 242-106 219-249 159-243 145-222 134-259
W-L*D B 9-0*1 8-1*1 6-4*_ 2-6*2 2-7*1 0-9*1
3 4 4 3 2 4
Since then, the Lelos won first edition of REC by completing fifth Slam.
REC 2015
ENC 2014 01/02 08/02 22/02 08/03 15/03
RWC 2015 Qualifiers * Europe
Georgia (B) Portugal Georgia (B) Spain (B) Georgia
35-_0 _9-34 36-10 17-24 22-_9
Belgium Georgia Russia Georgia Romania
07/02 14/02 28/02 14/03 21/03
Heusenstamm Germany _8-64 Georgia (B) Vake Georgia 20-15 Portugal (B) Madrid Spain 13-26 Georgia Vake Georgia 33-_0 Russia Bucharest Romania _6-15 Georgia 11
*Rugby Europe* Championship 2015
Pts
Diff
Georgia Romania Spain Russia Portugal Germany
21 15 14 13 5 1
+116 +41 +32 -16 -48 -125
T
F-A
W-L
B
16/_2 11/_3 18/12 12/15 _4/_9 _6/26
158-_42 102-_61 131-_99 103-119 _52-100 _61-186
5-0 3-2 3-2 3-2 1-4 0-5
1 3 2 1 1 1
Autumn Tests After RWC 2011 Georgia regularly hosts autumn tests against Tier 2 old-timers. In those series the Lelos won two noteworthy games - vs Samoa and Japan. Both epic wins came at Vake and on 23rd November Giorgoba (St.George’s Day, National Holiday)
2012 17/11 24/11
Vake Vake
Japan Fiji
L L
22-25 19-24
1/1 1/2
National Rustavi Vake
Canada USA Samoa
W L W
19-15 23-25 16-15
1/0 2/3 1/2
Vake Dublin Vake
Tonga Ireland Japan
L L W
_9-23 _7-49 35-24
0/3 1/6 5/3
2013 09/11 16/11 23/11
2014 Georgia celebrated *Giorgoba 2013* by beating Samoa in a thriller 12
08/11 16/11 23/11
Rugby-First Booklet
Georgia at RWC Finals Since gaining independence and before the turn of the century, Georgia has failed on first two occasions to qualify for RWC. In the new Millenium, the Lelos have already earned the pass to the World’s *Top 20* four times. This sequence started on a memorable day of 13/10/2002 when Georgia defeated arch-rivals Russia 17-13 at Tbilisi Naional Stadium. Albeit Georgia won only two of its 12 RWC matches so far, they have improved immensely since debut in Australia 12 years ago, and now constitute a real threat for any opposition. On 15/09/2007 in Bordeaux, Georgia chased Ireland very close, squandering lots of scoring chances and eventually going down by just 10-14 Giorgi Shkinini scored from an interception against Ireland in 2007 Totally unofficial
2003 12/10 19/10 24/10 28/10 TOTAL
Australia * Perth England Perth Samoa Sydney South Africa Sydney Uruguay
2007 11/09 15/09 26/09 30/09 TOTAL
France Lyon Bordeaux Lens Marseille
2011 14/09 18/09 28/09 02/10 TOTAL
New Zealand * Overall 15th Invercargill Scotland L _6-15 0/0 Dunedin England L 10-41 1/6 Palmerston N Romania W 25-_9 1/0 Palmerston N Argentina L _7-25 1/3 1-3 48-90 3/9
IN ALL
Overall 19th L _6-84 0/12 L _9-46 0/6 L 19-46 1/7 L 12-24 0/3 0-4 46-200 1/28
* Overall 13th Argentina L _3-33 0/4 Ireland L 10-14 1/2 Namibia W 30-_0 3/0 France L _7-64 1/9 1-3 50-111 5/15
2-10 144-401 9/52 13
The Lelos' Stats 27 years (1989-2015) Totals
Most capped
Played 178 (74 at Home, 71 Away, 33 at Neutral venue) Won 108 - Lost 64 * Drawn 6 Points: For 4108 - Against 3256, Difference +852 Tries: For 485 / Against 329, Difference +156
85 Irakli Abuseridze; 84 Merab Kvirikashvili; 83 Giorgi Chkhaidze; 81 Davit Katcharava; 77 Tedo Zibzibadze; 73 Irakli Machkhaneli; 70 Malkhaz Urjukashvili; 69 Levan Datunashvili; 67 Gia Labadze; 66 Ilia Zedginidze; 64 Akvsent Giorgadze, Goderdzi Shvelidze; 61 Besik Khamashuridze, Bidzina Samkharadze
ENC-REC 2000-2015 (16 seasons) 80 (39H 38A 3N) 64-12*4 Pts 2420-1007 (+1413) T 313/79 (+234)
In all 236 Lelos: 95 backs, 132 forwards and 9 utilities, with backs scoring 235 tries and forwards 250 Merab Kvirikashvili is the *all-time top points scorer* with 642 14
Captains 39 Irakli Abuseridze; 37 Ilia Zedginidze; 13 Irakli Machkhaneli; 12 Zurab Mtchedlishvili, Levan Tsabadze; 11 Dimitri Oboladze
Most Tries 24 Mamuka Gorgodze, Irakli Machkhaneli; 21 Tedo Zibzibadze; 18 Malkhaz Urjukashvili; 17 Davit Katcharava; 15 Ilia Zedginidze, Besik Khamashuridze
Most Points 642 Merab Kvirikashvili; 325 Malkhaz Urjukashvili; 320 Pavle Jimsheladze; 144 Lasha Malaghuradze; 105 Nugzar Dzagnidze Rugby-First Booklet
Georgia's RWC Itinerary UK time = UTC+1 (before 25/10) UTC (from 25/10)
Pool *C*
Head-to-Head vs Pool Opposition Tonga 06/03/1999 28/03/1999 08/11/2014
1-2 ( 43-87, t 4/12 ) Nuku'alofa (RWC Q) Tbilisi, Nat (RWC Q) Tbilisi, Vake
Sat
19/09
12.00 Tonga
Gloucester
Fri
25/09
16.45 Angentina
Gloucester
Angentina
Fri
02/10
20.00 New Zealand
Cardiff
Wed
07/10
20.00 Namibia
Exeter
11/09/2007 02/10/2011 22/06/2013
Play Off
L W L
_6-37 28-27 _9-23
0/4 4/5 0/3
0-3 ( 28-87, t 1/8 )
Lyon (RWC) Palmerston N (RWC) San Juan
L L L
_3-33 _7-25 18-29
0/4 1/3 0/1
New Zealand 0-0
Sat
17/10
20.00 QF * C1 v D2
Cardiff
Sun
18/10
13.00 QF * D1 v C2
Cardiff
Sat
24/10
16.00 SF * B1/A2 v C1/D2
London
Sun
25/10
16.00 SF * D1/C2 v A1/B2
London
Fri
30/10
20.00 Bronze Final
London
Sat
31/10
16.00 Cup Final
London
Totally unofficial
never met
Namibia 05/06/2007 26/09/2007 20/06/2010 19/06/2011
3-1 ( 95-57, t 9/6 ) Bucharest (iRB) Lens (RWC) Bucharest (iRB) Bucharest (iRB)
W W L W
26-18 30-_0 16-21 23-18
3/2 3/0 1/2 2/2 15
Georgia's RWC Squad sorted by position Pos Names
Club [League]
Age Caps Career totals
Backs (14) FB FB FB
Merab KVIRIKASHVILI Beka TSIKLAURI Giorgi APTSIAURI
Montlucon [FRA Fed1] Lokomotivi Tbilisi [GEO] Aia Kutaisi [GEO]
32 26 21
84 12t 108c 119p 3d [642 pts] 3sb 20 2t 11c 15p 2d [83 pts] 8 -
WI Sandro TODUA WI Tamaz MTCHEDLIDZE WI Muraz GIORGADZE WI Giorgi PRUIDZE
Lelo Saracens Tbilisi [GEO] Agen [FRA Pro D2] Armazi Tbilisi [GEO] Aia Kutaisi [GEO]
28 22 21 21
48 29 6 3
CE CE
Davit KATCHARAVA Merab SHARIKADZE
Enisey Krasnoyarsk [RUS] Aurillac [FRA Pro D2]
30 22
81 17t [4 capt] sb 34 7t [1 capt]
FH FH
Lasha MALAGHURADZE Lasha KHMALADZE
Bagneres [FRA Fed1] Lelo Saracens Tbilisi [GEO]
29 27
56 3t 27c 22p 3d [144 pts] 2sb 38 5t 4c [33 pts]
Qochebi Bolnisi [GEO] Kharebi Rustavi [GEO] Armazi Tbilisi [GEO]
29 22 19
34 2sb 19 5 -
HB Giorgi BEGADZE HB Vazha KHUTSISHVILI HB Vasil LOBZHANIDZE
16
5t 2sb 4t t -
Rugby-First Booklet
Pos Names
Club [League]
Age Caps Career totals
Forwards (17) LH LH
Mikheil NARIASHVILI Kakha ASIESHVILI
Montpellier [FRA Top 14] Brive [FRA Top 14]
25 28
26 t sb 10 t
HK Simon MAISURADZE HK Shalva MAMUKASHVILI HK Jaba BREGVADZE
Valence [FRA Fed1] Sale Sharks [ENG Prem] Qochebi Bolnisi [GEO]
29 25 28
32 sb 29 3t 27 t
TH Davit ZIRAKASHVILI TH Dudu KUBRIASHVILI TH Levan CHILACHAVA
Clermont [FRA Top 14] 32 Stade Francaise [FRA Top 14] 29 Toulon [FRA Top 14] 24
48 9t [1 capt] 3sb 39 2t rc sb 23 3t
LK LK LK LK
Giorgi CHKHAIDZE Levan DATUNASHVILI Giorgi NEMSADZE Kote MIKAUTADZE
Lille [FRA Fed1] Aurillac [FRA Pro D2] Tarbes [FRA Pro D2] Toulon [FRA Top 14]
34 32 31 24
83 69 49 34
BR BR BR BR BR
Mamuka GORGODZE Shalva SUTIASHVILI Vito KOLELISHVILI Giorgi TKHILAISHVILI Lasha LOMIDZE
Toulon [FRA Top 14] Massy [FRA Pro D2] Clermont [FRA Top 14] Batumi [GEO] Beziers [FRA Pro D2]
31 31 26 24 23
59 24t [2 capt] 4sb 48 t [7 capt] 3sb 31 3t [1 capt] 2rc 4sb 20 t sb 12 2t sb
10t [1 capt] 6sb 3t [3 capt] 6sb 9t 3sb 2t 2sb
Pos =Position: FB fullback, WI winger, CE centre, FH flyhalf, HB halfback, LH loosehead prop, HK hooker, TH tighthead prop, LK lock, BR back rower Names = Name SURNAME Totally unofficial
Club [League] = for season 2014/15
Age = 2015 - year of birth 17
Management's Penpix Head Coach since 2012 b. 06/02/1964 in Te Puia Springs (New Zealand) Played at halfback for Milton Southland HAIG (NZL), London Scottish, Orrell, Richmond (ENG), Bay of Plenty (NZL) Coached at Wanganui and Counties Manukau (NZL) at provicial level, assisted at New Zealand U21, Maori and Chiefs (Super 15) Honours: ENC-REC 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 (as coach), milestone wins over Samoa (2013) and Japan (2014) RWC experience: -
18
Assistant Coach since 2010 (bar 2012)
Assistant Coach since 2013 b. 02/05/1966 in Castres (France)
b. 17/11/1962 in Cork (Ireland) Played for Munster (IRE)
Michael BRADLEY
Capped: 40 times (1984 - 1995) as halfback (5t)
Played at hooker for Castres and Montpellier.
Didier BES
Tutored the pack at Montpellier and Clermont.
Captained Ireland in 15 tests.
Honours: ENC-REC 2014, 2015 (as coach)
Coached at Ireland U21, Connacht (IRE), Ireland (2008 in NZL+AUS) and Edinburgh (SCO)
RWC experience: -
Honours: Five Nations 1985 (Triple Crown); ENC-REC 2011, 2014, 2015 (as coach) RWC experience: 1987 v Wales, Canada (t), Tonga, Australia; 1995 New Zealand = 5 caps, 1 try
Rugby-First Booklet
Assistant Coach since 2009
Assistant Coach since 2012
Assistant Coach since 2015
b. 31/07/1977 in Gurjaani (Georgia)
b. 20/01/1977 in Tbilisi (Georgia)
b. 18/07/1981 in Tbilisi (Georgia)
Lelo # 91
Lelo # 101
Lelo # 117
Ilia Capped: MAISURADZE 21 times (1997 - 2007) as centre or flanker (t - sb)
Ilia Capped: ZEDGINIDZE 66 times (1998 - 2011) as lock or No 8 (15t)
Irakli Capped: MACHKHANELI 73 times (2002 - 2014) as winger or centre (24t - 5sb)
Honours: ENC-REC 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 (as coach)
Captained the Lelos in 37 tests!
Captained the Lelos in 13 tests
Honours: ENC-REC 2001, 2008, 2009 (as player); 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 (as coach)
Honours: ENC 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 (as player); REC 2015 (as coach)
RWC experience: 2003 v Samoa (capt), South Africa (sub), Uruguay (capt); 2007 v Argentina (capt), Ireland (capt); 2011 v England, Romania, Argentina (sub) = 8 caps (4 as Captain)
RWC experience: 2003 v England (sub), Samoa (sub-sb), South Africa, Uruguay; 2007 v Argentina, Ireland (sub), Namibia (t); 2011 v Scotland, England = 9 caps, try - sb
RWC experience: 2007 v Ireland, France = 2 caps; 2011 Assistant Coach
Totally unofficial
19
Team Manager since 2005 b. 06/05/1978 in Tbilisi (Georgia) Lelo # 94 Vasil Capped: ABASHIDZE 15 times (1998 - 2001, 2006) as fullback or winger (3t) Honours: ENC-REC 2001 (as player), 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 (as manager) RWC experience: 2007, 2011 Team Manager
20
Squad Penpix Fullback
Loosehead
b. 20/01/1994 in Tbilisi (Georgia) 178 cm, 89 kg Started at: University Tbilisi Giorgi 2014/15 club: APTSIAURI Aia Kutaisi [GEO] Lelo # 225 Debut: Test #170, 23/11/2014 @ Vake, Tbilisi; v Japan, W 35-24, as sub Caps: 8 Scoring/cards: Honours: ENC-REC 2015 RWC experience: Prodigy, having gone through every age-grade selection. Can play anywhere in the backline. Hopefully, will soon adapt to the rigours of senior rugby and regain lost confidence.
b. 21/04/1987 in Chokhatauri (Georgia) 184 cm, 112 kg Started at: Qochebi (Rams) Tbilisi
Karlen *Kakha* ASIESHVILI
2014/15 club: Brive [FRA Top 14] Lelo # 191
Debut: Test # 105, 20/06/2008 @ Arcul, Bucharest; v Italy A, W 25-3, as sub Caps: 10 Scoring/cards: t Honours: ENC-REC 2012, 2014, 2015 RWC experience: Having matured lately, is still regarded as a fourth choice in his position but expect to be used as an impact player.
Rugby-First Booklet
Halfback
Hooker
Tighthead
b. 04/03/1986 in Tbilisi (Georgia)
b. 23/04/1987 in Tbilisi (Georgia)
b. 17/08/1991 in Sokhumi (Georgia)
178 cm, 81 kg
180 cm, 102 kg
188 cm, 125 kg
Started at: Hooligana Tbilisi
Started at: Qochebi (Rams) Tbilisi
Started at: University Tbilisi
2014/15 club: Qochebi Bolnisi [GEO]
Giorgi BEGADZE
2014/15 club: Qochebi Bolnisi [GEO]
Jaba BREGVADZE
2014/15 club: Toulon [FRA Top 14]
Levan CHILACHAVA
Lelo # 209
Lelo # 188
Lelo # 212
Debut: Test # 133, 15/06/2011 @ Arcul, Bucharest; v Argentina A, W 14-13, as starter
Debut: Test # 103, 11/06/2008 @ Arcul, Bucharest; v South Africa A, L 3-11, as sub
Debut: Test # 139, 11/02/2012 @ University, Madrid; v Spain, L 18-25, as sub
Caps: 27
Caps: 23
Scoring/cards: t
Scoring/cards: 3t
Honours: ENC-REC 2011, 2013, 2014
Honours: ENC-REC 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
RWC experience: 2011 v Scotland, England, Romania, Argentina (sub) = 4 caps
RWC experience: -
RWC experience: Smart and cheeky but has stalled in his progress lately. Albeit not assured of starting berth, still remains a valuable member of the squad thanks to his experience.
Unfortunately, too injury-prone. Released for that reason by Toulouse. Hopefully, will be fully fit for RWC. Having started at flyhalf as a kid, later moved to flanker and ultimately to hooker. Hence, nice ball handler.
Caps: 34 Scoring/cards: 2sb Honours: ENC-REC 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
Totally unofficial
Caught public's eye during JWRT 2011 held in Tbilisi. Since then moved to France and regularly makes match-day 23 for Toulon. Can play on both sides of scrum.
21
Lock
Lock
Winger
b. 20/08/1981 in Kutaisi (Georgia) 195 cm, 112 kg Started at: Lelo Tbilisi 2014/15 club: Giorgi Lille CHKHAIDZE [FRA Fed1] Lelo # 118 Debut: Test # 45, 03/02/2002 @ National, Tbilisi; v Holland, W 88-0, as starter Caps: 83 [1 as captain] Scoring/cards: 10t 6sb Honours: ENC-REC 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 RWC experience: 2003 v England, South Africa, Uruguay; 2007 v Argentina, Ireland, Namibia, France; 2011 v Scotland (sub), England (sub), Romania, Argentina = 11 caps Stalwart, survivor from initial ENC era when Romania ruled the roost. This RWC will be fourth in his celebrated career. True warrior, doing a lot of dirty work. A lineout option. Can play in back row as well.
b. 18/01/1983 in Tbilisi (Georgia) 196 cm, 114 kg Started at: Mglebi (Wolves) Levan Tbilisi DATUNASHVILI 2014/15 club: Aurillac [FRA Pro D2] Lelo # 145 Debut: Test # 63, 22/02/2004 @ Reus, Tarragona; v Spain, D 6-6, as sub Caps: 69 [3 as captain] Scoring/cards: 3t 6sb Honours: ENC-REC 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 RWC experience: 2007 v Ireland (sub), Namibia, France (sub); 2011 v Scotland, England (sub), Romania (sub), Argentina = 7 caps One of the mainstays of pack. Famous for his direct, no-nonsense approach. Unfortunately, was injured in June and now is racing against the time to recover.
b. 28/06/1994 in Tbilisi (Georgia) 182 cm, 85 kg Started at: Vepkhvebi (Tigers) Patardzeuli 2014/15 club: Armazi Tbilisi [GEO] Lelo # 224
22
Muraz GIORGADZE
Debut: Test # 165, 14/06/2014 @ Avtchala, Tbilisi; v Spain, W 23-13, as sub Caps: 6 Scoring/cards: t Honours: ENC-REC 2015 RWC experience: Quick, with good sense of anticipation. Yet to make a mark at senior level.
Rugby-First Booklet
Back rower
Centre
Flyhalf
b. 14/07/1984 in Tbilisi (Georgia) 196 cm, 118 kg Started at: Lelo Tbilisi 2014/15 club: Mamuka Toulon GORGODZE [FRA Top 14] Lelo # 127 Debut: Test # 53, 22/02/2003 @ National, Tbilisi; v Spain, W 34-3, as sub Caps: 59 [2 as captain] Scoring/cards: 24t 4sb Honours: ENC-REC 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 RWC experience: 2007 v Argentina, Ireland, Namibia; 2011 v Scotland, England, Romania (t), Argentina = 7 caps, 1 try Titan of Georgian rugby, easily the face of the Game in public perception. Switched from basketball and brought with him willingness to offload which was too unconventional until recently. Used to be a pack leader at Montpellier but somewhat got sidelined by Toulon.
b. 16/01/1985 in Tbilisi (Georgia)
b. 20/01/1988 in Tbilisi (Georgia)
184 cm, 96 kg
180 cm, 82 kg
Started at: Qochebi (Rams) Tbilisi
Started at: Lelo Tbilisi
Totally unofficial
2014/15 club: Enisey Krasnoyarsk [RUS]
Davit KATCHARAVA
Lelo # 167 Debut: Test # 78, 29/04/2006 @ Spartak, Odesa; v Ukraine, W 32-12, as sub
2014/15 club: Lelo Saracens Tbilisi [GEO]
Lasha KHMALADZE
Lelo # 187 Debut: Test # 103, 11/06/2008 @ Arcul, Bucharest; v South Africa A, L 3-11, as sub Caps: 38
Caps: 81 [4 as captain]
Scoring/cards: 5t 4c [33 pts]
Scoring/cards: 17t sb
Honours: ENC-REC 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
Honours: ENC-REC 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
RWC experience: 2011 v England (sub), Romania, Argentina (t) = 3 caps, 1 try
RWC experience: 2007 v Ireland, Namibia (t); 2011 v Scotland, England, Romania, Argentina = 6 caps, 1 try Long-serving head of the backline department. Rock solid and reliable. Shreads defences with ease and fetches the ball from tackled players.
First choice pivot since 2013. Albeit not renowned for goal kicking, directs play assuredly. Good tactician and distributor. At crucial time can make an odd break or kick pass.
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Halfback
Back rower
Tighthead
b. 27/06/1993 in Rustavi (Georgia)
b. 09/10/1989 in Tbilisi (Georgia)
165 cm, 73 kg
192 cm, 104 kg
Started at: Kharebi (Bulls) Rustavi
Started at: Lelo Tbilisi
b. 03/12/1986 in Tbilisi (Georgia) 183 cm, 122 kg Started at: Lelo Tbilisi 2014/15 club: Davit *Dudu* Stade KUBRIASHVILI Francaise [FRA Top 14] Lelo # 175 Debut: Test # 97, 02/02/2008 @ Vake, Tbilisi; v Portugal, W 31-3, as starter Caps: 39 Scoring/cards: 2t rc sb Honours: ENC-REC 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 RWC experience: 2011 v Scotland (sub), England, Argentina = 3 caps Laid-back character, diligent worker, good old-fashioned prop who can make valuable metres as well as draw a goalable penalty at scrum time.
Vazha KHUTSISHVILI
2014/15 club: Kharebi Rustavi [GEO] Lelo # 219 Debut: Test # 150, 23/02/2013 @ Yug, Sochi; v Russia, W 23-9, as sub Caps: 19 Scoring/cards: Honours: ENC-REC 2013, 2014, 2015 RWC experience: Strong on feet, smart, likes to attack around fringes. Takes goal kicks at club level where has been a leader since childhood.
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2014/15 club: Clermont [FRA Top 14]
Viktor *Vito* KOLELISHVILI
Lelo # 190 Debut: Test # 105, 20/06/2008 @ Arcul, Bucharest; v Italy A, W 25-3, as sub Caps: 31 [1 as care-taker captain] Scoring/cards: 3t 2rc 4sb Honours: ENC-REC 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 RWC experience: 2011 v Scotland (sub), Argentina = 2 caps Extremely gifted in various ways but notorious for poor discipline. Could be easily provoked. Missed later half of last season through injury but has recovered in time and could reclaim his starting place.
Rugby-First Booklet
Fullback
Halfback
Back rower
b. 27/12/1983 in Tbilisi (Georgia) 177 cm, 80 kg Started at: Lelo Tbilisi 2014/15 club: Montlucon Merab *Meko* [FRA Fed1] KVIRIKASHVILI Lelo # 125 Debut: Test # 52, 16/02/2003 @ Jamor, Lisbon; v Portugal, L 30-34, as sub Caps: 84 Scoring/cards: 12t 108c 119p 3d [642 pts] 3sb Honours: ENC-REC 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 RWC experience: 2003 v ENG (sub), SAM (sub), RSA (sub p sb), URU (sub 3p); 2007 v ARG (p), IRE (c p), NAM (3c3p), FRA; 2011 v SCO (2p), ENG (c p), ROM (c 5p), ARG (sub) = 12 caps, 6 cons, 17 pens, 63 pts, sb Maestro! The top points scorer in Lelos' history. The only Georgian who has played in the team's every RWC game. He has a good chance to become the first Lelo Centurion. By the way, started at halfback which is still being seen as his preferable position, but due to team needs, first moved to flyhalf and lately, fullback.
b. 14/10/1996 in Tbilisi (Georgia) 175 cm, 75 kg Started at: Armazi Tbilisi 2014/15 club: Vasil Armazi Tbilisi LOBZHANIDZE [GEO] Lelo # 226 Debut: Test # 171, 07/02/2015 @ Martinsee, Heusenstamm; v Germany, W 64-8, as starter Caps: 5 Scoring/cards: Honours: ENC-REC 2015, JWRT 2015 RWC experience: A product of relatively new, Armazi club where two Lelo greats, both Irakli's Abuseridze and Machkhaneli - coach. Has everything to follow in tutors' footsteps and even overtake them. This year was a starting No 9 for both Georgia natonal team and U20, and has won every single game he played in.
b. 30/06/1992 in Tbilisi (Georgia)
Totally unofficial
195 cm, 108 kg Started at: Akademia Tbilisi 2014/15 club: Beziers [FRA Pro D2]
Lasha LOMIDZE
Lelo # 218 Debut: Test # 150, 23/02/2013 @ Yug, Sochi; v Russia, W 23-9, as sub Caps: 12 Scoring/cards: 2t sb Honours: ENC-REC 2013, 2015 RWC experience: Tall, lean, athletic, quick, witty - has all credentials to become a pack leader one day - not too distant.
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Hooker
Flyhalf
Hooker
b. 14/09/1986 in Gurjaani (Georgia) 180 cm, 108 kg
b. 02/06/1986 in Tbilisi (Georgia)
b. 02/10/1990 in Tbilisi (Georgia)
185 cm, 92 kg
180 cm, 106 kg
Started at: Hooligana Tbilisi
Started at: Qochebi (Rams) Tbilisi
Started at: Qochebi (Rams) Tbilisi
2014/15 club: Valence [FRA Fed1]
Simon MAISURADZE
2014/15 club: Bagneres [FRA Fed1]
Lasha MALAGHURADZE
Lelo # 179
Lelo # 178
Debut: Test # 99, 23/02/2008 @ University, Lisbon; v Portugal, W 11-6, as sub
Debut: Test # 97, 02/02/2008 @ Vake, Tbilisi; v Portugal, W 31-3, as sub
Caps: 32
Caps: 56
Scoring/cards: sb
Scoring/cards: 3t 27c 22p 3d [144 pts] 2sb
Honours: ENC-REC 2008, 2011, 2015
Honours: ENC-REC 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015
RWC experience: Not a starting hooker but could be used as a reserve flanker if needed. Tireless and fearless tackler.
26
RWC experience: 2011 v Argentina (sub) = 1 cap Renowned for his direct approach in attack and long kicking, both tactical and at posts. Could land a snap dropgoal.
Shalva MAMUKASHVILI
2014/15 club: Sale Sharks [ENG Prem] Lelo # 208
Debut: Test # 132, 10/06/2011 @ Arcul, Bucharest; v South Africa A, L 17-31, as sub Caps: 29 Scoring/cards: 3t Honours: ENC-REC 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 RWC experience: Reliable thrower at lineout. Looks like a bit slack but extremely quick and dexterous. Recovered from a nasty break.
Rugby-First Booklet
Lock
Winger
Loosehead
b. 01/07/1991 in Sokhumi (Georgia)
b. 17/03/1993 in Tbilisi (Georgia)
b. 25/05/1990 in Kutaisi (Georgia)
200 cm, 125 kg
194 cm, 108 kg
186 cm, 118 kg
Started at: University Tbilisi
Started at: University Tbilisi
Started at: Aia Kutaisi
2014/15 club: Toulon [FRA Top 14]
Konstantine *Kote* MIKAUTADZE
2014/15 club: Agen [FRA Pro D2]
Tamaz MTCHEDLIDZE
Lelo # 200
Lelo # 217
Debut: Test # 122, 11/06/2010 @ Arcul, Bucharest; v Scotland A, W 22-21, as sub
Debut: Test # 148, 02/02/2013 @ Roi Baudouin, Bruxelles; v Belgium, W 17-13, as starter
Caps: 34 Scoring/cards: 2t 2sb Honours: ENC-REC 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 RWC experience: Tall timber, a bit slow and not always one hundred percent committed, but his time surely will come sooner than later.
Totally unofficial
Caps: 29 Scoring/cards: 4t Honours: ENC-REC 2013, 2014, 2015 RWC experience: Equally productive at wing and in midfield. Strong ball runner with good swerve. Always looking for a hit-up.
2014/15 club: Montpellier [FRA Top 14]
Mikheil NARIASHVILI
Lelo # 210 Debut: Test # 139, 11/02/2012 @ University, Madrid; v Spain, L 18-25, as starter Caps: 26 Scoring/cards: t sb Honours: ENC-REC 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 RWC experience: One of the new breed of the richest prop crops. Versatile, tireless. First choice loosehead by a mile.
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Lock
Winger
Centre
b. 26/09/1984 in Kutaisi (Georgia)
b. 02/06/1994 in Tsqaltubo (Georgia)
194 cm, 111 kg
192 cm, 95 kg
Started at: Aia Kutaisi
Started at: Aia Kutaisi
b. 17/05/1993 in Moscow (Russia) = qualifies via parents and residence
2014/15 club: Tarbes [FRA Pro D2]
Giorgi NEMSADZE
2014/15 club: Aia Kutaisi [GEO]
185 cm, 96 kg Giorgi PRUIDZE
Merab SHARIKADZE
Started at: Akademia Tbilisi
Lelo # 163
Lelo # 228
Debut: Test # 74, 12/11/2005 @ Vake, Tbilisi; v Chile, W 29-6, as starter
Debut: Test # 176, 13/06/2015 @ Avtchala, Tbilisi; v Uruguay, W 19-10, as starter
Lelo # 211
Caps: 49
Caps: 3
Debut: Test # 139, 11/02/2012 @ University, Madrid; v Spain, L 18-25, as starter
Scoring/cards: 9t 3sb
Scoring/cards: -
Honours: ENC-REC 2008, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015
Honours: -
RWC experience: 2011 v Argentina (sub) = 1 cap Switched from handball. Scores a lot for a lock. Has gained respect and regular place in match-day 23 only last year.
28
RWC experience: Once a spoilt kid, just recently took the matters seriuosly. Enormously talented and hopefully, on right track. Master of offload.
2014/15 club: Aurillac [FRA Pro D2]
Caps: 34 [1 as captain] Scoring/cards: 7t Honours: ENC-REC 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 RWC experience: Went straight from youth into men's environment. Evasive runner with timely pass. Unanimous first choice at 12 since debut.
Rugby-First Booklet
Back rower
Back rower
Winger
b. 24/01/1984 in Tbilisi (Georgia)
b. 08/04/1991 in Kobuleti (Georgia)
b. 02/11/1987 in Tbilisi (Georgia)
193 cm, 102 kg
180 cm, 103 kg
183 cm, 92 kg
Started at: University Tbilisi
Started at: Batumi
Started at: Lelo Tbilisi
2014/15 club: Massy [FRA Pro D2]
Shalva SUTIASHVILI
2014/15 club: Batumi [GEO]
Giorgi *Koki* TKHILAISHVILI
Lelo # 214
Lelo # 165
Debut: Test # 143, 09/06/2012 @ Avtchala, Tbilisi; v Ukraine, W 33-3, as starter
Debut: Test # 74, 12/11/2005 @ Vake, Tbilisi; v Chile, W 29-6, as sub
Caps: 20
Caps: 48 [7 as captain] Scoring/cards: t 3sb Honours: ENC-REC 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 RWC experience: 2011 v Scotland, England = 2 caps Late maturer. Very reliable and disciplined. Defensive force. Chosen as captain last year.
Totally unofficial
Scoring/cards: t sb Honours: ENC-REC 2012, 2014, 2015
2014/15 club: Lelo Saracens Tbilisi [GEO]
Sandro TODUA
Lelo # 180 Debut: Test # 100, 29/03/2008 @ Slavia, Prague; v Czechia, W 22-3, as starter Caps: 48 Scoring/cards: 5t 2sb
RWC experience: -
Honours: ENC-REC 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2015
Breakdown vulture in the mold of world's top fetchers. Unfortunataly, could not find a suitable foreign club yet.
RWC experience: 2011 v Scotland, England, Romania, Argentina = 4 caps Deceptively slow but canny guy with fine step. Able to man at centre and fullback as well.
29
Fullback
Tighthead
b. 09/02/1989 in Tbilisi (Georgia)
b. 10/10/1983 in Gamarjveba (Georgia) 179 cm, 117 kg Started at: Kharebi (Bulls) Davit Rustavi ZIRAKASHVILI 2014/15 club: Clermont [FRA Top 14] Lelo # 150 Debut: Test # 67, 30/10/2004 @ Luis Franzini, Montevideo; v Uruguay, L 7-17, as starter Caps: 48 [1 as captain] Scoring/cards: 9t 3sb Honours: ENC-REC 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 RWC experience: 2007 v Argentina, Namibia, France; 2011 v Scotland, England (sub), Romania = 6 caps Living legend of Georgian rugby. Still props the Lelos' and Clermont's scrums, and even continues to score tries. Amazing for the old man.
180 cm, 87 kg Started at: University Tbilisi 2014/15 club: Lokomotivi Tbilisi [GEO]
Beka TSIKLAURI
Lelo # 192 Debut: Test # 105, 20/06/2008 @ Arcul, Bucharest; v Italy A, W 25-3, as sub Caps: 20 Scoring/cards: 2t 11c 15p 2d [83 pts] Honours: ENC-REC 2012, 2013, 2014 RWC experience: Reliable under high ball. Can unexpectedly pop-up at ten. Top notch place kicker. Drops lots of field-goals at club level.
30
Missed the cut Dimitri BASILAIA Beka BITSADZE Otar GIORGADZE Beka GORGADZE Vasil KAKOVINI Vakhtang MAISURADZE Anton PEIKRISHVILI Saba SHUBITIDZE
Back rower Back rower Lock Back rower Loosehead Lock Tighthead Back rower
Withdrew for injury Irakli SVANIDZE Giorgi TALAKHADZE Zurab ZHVANIA
Fullback Centre Loosehead
Stats as for Tue 1/09/2015 http://Qaflan.netai.net/GANZI/ KA_Borjhalosnebi.htm Rugby-First Booklet
Additional Staff Beso ABRAMISHVILI Irakli ABUSERIDZE Paul CAMERON Scott CREAN Eric DALLOZ Otar IASHVILI Irakli KHUNDADZE Lasha KHURTSIDZE Lasha LORTKIPANIDZE Calvin MORRISS Davit RAMISHVILI Irakli TCHQONIA Giorgi TCHUMBURIDZE
Masseur Sporting Director Physiotherapist Fitness coach Osteopath Logistics / Baggage Master Assistant Manager International & Media Manager Cameraman Fitness coach Video Analyst Fitness trainer Doctor
Credits All pix stem from Georgia RU stocks and author's collection. Thanks should go to Georgia RU - Giorgi Nijaradze, Misha Kalandadze, Lasha Khurtsidze, Ms Nata Kurtanidze, Sandro Ujmajuridze - for supporting this project. Totally unofficial
Four years ago it was *Square* Guide, also unofficial. It is still on the web at http://issuu.com/qaflan/docs/geolelos_z
Š ZG [ Qaflan@HoTMaiL.com ] Will be published on *issue* on Wed 2/09/2015, in the wake of team's official announcement. 31