2015 lelos

2 Rugby-First Booklet

Georgia RU logo is an old Caucasian sign,called *Borjghali* - in form of a rotating crosswhich symbolizes *Eternity of Life*

Georgia Rugby UnionEstablished 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) membersince 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

Phone: +995 32 220 45 35 / 65

Fax: +995 32 222 65 96

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: http://rugby.ge

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GeorgianRugby

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/GeorgianRugbyUnion

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/georgianrugby

3Totally unofficial

National Academy of Rugby Shevardeni

40 Bogdan Khmelnitsky Street


Phone: +995 32 220 42 75

Refs Education Centre Avtchala

27 Davit Sarajishvili Avenue


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 Giorgi NijaradzePresident, Georgia RU


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.

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

Domestic comps

Didi Ati (Big 10)

Premiers since 1990

Lokomotivi 9 titles; Lelo 5; Qochebi, Aia 3; Batumi 2; Armia, Rustavi, Gumary 1

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

5Totally unofficial

From Lelo to Rugby via ...

Ancient Lelo, in imagination of a modernpainter, and Lelo Federation logo (2013)

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 vastsquads were assembled on tribal lines.

The original, pagan passtime later was adopted by theOrthodox Church: priest blessing a red ball at Easter andthrowing it up to the players.

And, of course, the game was used as a tested form ofmilitary training.

Lelo is still alive both in old (held at holidays) and modernforms (on rugby pitch, 12-a-side)

Its goal is to carry, throw, kick or roll heavy, 5 kg ball overthe opposition’s end-line.

Forward passing is permitted and of course, there is no lawprohibiting side entry at tackle.


To Rugby via ... Gridiron80 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*

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.

1935 mix-up: American football was presentedas rugby in opposition to *British football*

Guru Jacques Haspekianwith GPI - Qochebi (Rams) in 1962

7Totally unofficial

Georgian Clubs in Soviet Comps

Aia Kutaisi Gold 1987 1988 1989

Silver 1984

Bronze 1985

Cup 1987 1990

Lokomotivi Tbilisi Silver 1967

Bronze 1968 1972 1978 1981

Cup 1978

Dinamo Tbilisi Silver 1966

Gantiadi Tbilisi Bronze 1963

Pre-IndependenceFrom 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.

Aia of Kutaisi won three Soviet Premiershipsand two Soviet Cups in 1980s


Georgia played its inaugural test on 12/09/1989, beating

Zimbabwe 16-3 in Kutaisi.

In autumn 1993 Georgia made its debut at FIRA Champs

Level 5, just drawing 10-10 in Luxembourg.

On 20/10/1996 Georgia beat ex-rulers Russia for the first

time, 29-20 in Tbilisi, setting a trend.

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 stand-

ings 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.

FIRA-ENC-REC + Antim Cup

ENC+REC Winners (Official)

Georgia 8 2001 2007+08 2009 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Romania 4 2000 2002 2005+06 2010

Portugal 1 2003+04

Annual 6NB Winners (Informal)

Georgia 10 2001^ 2005 2007 2008^ 20092011^ 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

9Totally unofficial

1996 team has set a trend which continues to these days


Georgia has been keeping a holdon the Antim Cup since 2011

ENC - REC Totals (2000-2015)

16 years Pts.% Y P _W-L*D $B REC 6NB SL RL

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 1 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

Pts% = (4*W + 2*D + B) / (4*P) * 100

B bonus, SL slam, RL relegated, # excluded

Georgia versus Arch-Rivals

UNION SINCE P (H A N) W-L*D F -A T

Russia 1993 19 (10 6 3) 17-1*1 476-224 52/13

Portugal 1997 19 (9 10 0) 13-4*2 440-265 51/16

Romania 1998 19 (8 9 2) 10-8*1 347-339 27/29

Spain 2000 16 (8 8 0) 12-3*1 509-253 70/26

11Totally unofficial

Georgia qualified for RWC 2015 via 2-year ENC cycle,playing 10 matches.

They have secured the coveted berth after Round 8, beatingRussia 36-10 in Tbilisi on 22/02/2014

Georgia finished atop and joined Pool *C* by defeatingRomania at home 22-9 on 15/03/2014

ENC 2013

02/02 Bruxelles Belgium (B) 13-17 Georgia

09/02 Vake Georgia 25-12 Portugal

23/02 Sochi Russia _9-23 Georgia

09/03 Vake Georgia (B) 61-18 Spain

16/03 Bucharest Romania _9-_9 Georgia

ENC 2014

01/02 Avtchala Georgia (B) 35-_0 Belgium

08/02 Lisbon Portugal _9-34 Georgia

22/02 National Georgia (B) 36-10 Russia

08/03 Madrid Spain (B) 17-24 Georgia

15/03 Vake Georgia 22-_9 Romania

RWC 2015 Qualifiers

RWC 2015 Qualifiers * Europe

2013+2014 Pts Diff T F -A W-L*D B

Georgia 41 +180 32/_6 286-106 9-0*1 3

Romania 38 +136 22/_7 242-106 8-1*1 4

Russia 28 -30 28/25 219-249 6-4*_ 4

Spain 15 -84 15/23 159-243 2-6*2 3

Portugal 12 -77 10/21 145-222 2-7*1 2

Belgium 6 -125 11/36 134-259 0-9*1 4

Since then, the Lelos won first edition of REC by completingfifth Slam.

REC 2015

07/02 Heusenstamm Germany _8-64 Georgia (B)

14/02 Vake Georgia 20-15 Portugal (B)

28/02 Madrid Spain 13-26 Georgia

14/03 Vake Georgia 33-_0 Russia

21/03 Bucharest Romania _6-15 Georgia


*Rugby Europe* Championship

2015 Pts Diff T F -A W-L B

Georgia 21 +116 16/_2 158-_42 5-0 1

Romania 15 +41 11/_3 102-_61 3-2 3

Spain 14 +32 18/12 131-_99 3-2 2

Russia 13 -16 12/15 103-119 3-2 1

Portugal 5 -48 _4/_9 _52-100 1-4 1

Germany 1 -125 _6/26 _61-186 0-5 1

Georgia celebrated *Giorgoba 2013*by beating Samoa in a thriller

After RWC 2011 Georgia regularly hosts autumn testsagainst Tier 2 old-timers.

In those series the Lelos won two noteworthy games - vsSamoa and Japan.

Both epic wins came at Vake and on 23rd November -Giorgoba (St.George’s Day, National Holiday)

2012

17/11 Vake Japan L 22-25 1/1

24/11 Vake Fiji L 19-24 1/2

2013

09/11 National Canada W 19-15 1/0

16/11 Rustavi USA L 23-25 2/3

23/11 Vake Samoa W 16-15 1/2

2014

08/11 Vake Tonga L _9-23 0/3

16/11 Dublin Ireland L _7-49 1/6

23/11 Vake Japan W 35-24 5/3

Autumn Tests


Since gaining independence and before the turn of thecentury, Georgia has failed on first two occasions to qualifyfor RWC.

In the new Millenium, the Lelos have already earned the passto the World’s *Top 20* four times.

This sequence started on a memorable day of 13/10/2002when Georgia defeated arch-rivals Russia 17-13 at TbilisiNaional Stadium.

Albeit Georgia won only two of its 12 RWC matches so far,they have improved immensely since debut in Australia 12years ago, and now constitute a real threat for any opposi-tion.

On 15/09/2007 in Bordeaux, Georgia chased Ireland veryclose, squandering lots of scoring chances and eventuallygoing down by just 10-14

Georgia at RWC Finals

Giorgi Shkininiscored froman interceptionagainst Irelandin 2007

2003 Australia * Overall 19th

12/10 Perth England L _6-84 0/12

19/10 Perth Samoa L _9-46 0/6

24/10 Sydney South Africa L 19-46 1/7

28/10 Sydney Uruguay L 12-24 0/3

TOTAL 0-4 46-200 1/28

2007 France * Overall 13th

11/09 Lyon Argentina L _3-33 0/4

15/09 Bordeaux Ireland L 10-14 1/2

26/09 Lens Namibia W 30-_0 3/0

30/09 Marseille France L _7-64 1/9

TOTAL 1-3 50-111 5/15

2011 New Zealand * Overall 15th

14/09 Invercargill Scotland L _6-15 0/0

18/09 Dunedin England L 10-41 1/6

28/09 Palmerston N Romania W 25-_9 1/0

02/10 Palmerston N Argentina L _7-25 1/3

TOTAL 1-3 48-90 3/9

IN ALL 2-10 144-401 9/52


27 years (1989-2015) Totals

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

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, 132forwards and 9 utilities,

with backs scoring 235tries and forwards 250

The Lelos' Stats

MerabKvirikashviliis the *all-timetop pointsscorer* with 642

Most capped

85 Irakli Abuseridze; 84 Merab Kvirikashvili; 83 GiorgiChkhaidze; 81 Davit Katcharava; 77 Tedo Zibzibadze;73 Irakli Machkhaneli; 70 Malkhaz Urjukashvili; 69 LevanDatunashvili; 67 Gia Labadze; 66 Ilia Zedginidze; 64 AkvsentGiorgadze, Goderdzi Shvelidze; 61 Besik Khamashuridze,Bidzina Samkharadze

Captains

39 Irakli Abuseridze; 37 Ilia Zedginidze; 13 IrakliMachkhaneli; 12 Zurab Mtchedlishvili, Levan Tsabadze;11 Dimitri Oboladze

Most Tries

24 Mamuka Gorgodze, Irakli Machkhaneli; 21 TedoZibzibadze; 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


UK time =UTC+1 (before 25/10)

UTC (from 25/10)

Pool *C*

Sat 19/09 12.00 Tonga Gloucester

Fri 25/09 16.45 Angentina Gloucester

Fri 02/10 20.00 New Zealand Cardiff

Wed 07/10 20.00 Namibia Exeter

Play Off

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

Georgia's RWC ItineraryHead-to-Head vs Pool Opposition

Tonga 1-2 ( 43-87, t 4/12 )

06/03/1999 Nuku'alofa (RWC Q) L _6-37 0/4

28/03/1999 Tbilisi, Nat (RWC Q) W 28-27 4/5

08/11/2014 Tbilisi, Vake L _9-23 0/3

Angentina 0-3 ( 28-87, t 1/8 )

11/09/2007 Lyon (RWC) L _3-33 0/4

02/10/2011 Palmerston N (RWC) L _7-25 1/3

22/06/2013 San Juan L 18-29 0/1

New Zealand 0-0

never met

Namibia 3-1 ( 95-57, t 9/6 )

05/06/2007 Bucharest (iRB) W 26-18 3/2

26/09/2007 Lens (RWC) W 30-_0 3/0

20/06/2010 Bucharest (iRB) L 16-21 1/2

19/06/2011 Bucharest (iRB) W 23-18 2/2


Georgia's RWC Squadsorted by position

Pos Names Club [League] Age Caps Career totals

Backs (14)

FB Merab KVIRIKASHVILI Montlucon [FRA Fed1] 32 84 12t 108c 119p 3d [642 pts] 3sbFB Beka TSIKLAURI Lokomotivi Tbilisi [GEO] 26 20 2t 11c 15p 2d [83 pts]FB Giorgi APTSIAURI Aia Kutaisi [GEO] 21 8 -

WI Sandro TODUA Lelo Saracens Tbilisi [GEO] 28 48 5t 2sbWI Tamaz MTCHEDLIDZE Agen [FRA Pro D2] 22 29 4tWI Muraz GIORGADZE Armazi Tbilisi [GEO] 21 6 tWI Giorgi PRUIDZE Aia Kutaisi [GEO] 21 3 -

CE Davit KATCHARAVA Enisey Krasnoyarsk [RUS] 30 81 17t [4 capt] sbCE Merab SHARIKADZE Aurillac [FRA Pro D2] 22 34 7t [1 capt]

FH Lasha MALAGHURADZE Bagneres [FRA Fed1] 29 56 3t 27c 22p 3d [144 pts] 2sbFH Lasha KHMALADZE Lelo Saracens Tbilisi [GEO] 27 38 5t 4c [33 pts]

HB Giorgi BEGADZE Qochebi Bolnisi [GEO] 29 34 2sbHB Vazha KHUTSISHVILI Kharebi Rustavi [GEO] 22 19 -HB Vasil LOBZHANIDZE Armazi Tbilisi [GEO] 19 5 -


Pos Names Club [League] Age Caps Career totals

Forwards (17)

LH Mikheil NARIASHVILI Montpellier [FRA Top 14] 25 26 t sbLH Kakha ASIESHVILI Brive [FRA Top 14] 28 10 t

HK Simon MAISURADZE Valence [FRA Fed1] 29 32 sbHK Shalva MAMUKASHVILI Sale Sharks [ENG Prem] 25 29 3tHK Jaba BREGVADZE Qochebi Bolnisi [GEO] 28 27 t

TH Davit ZIRAKASHVILI Clermont [FRA Top 14] 32 48 9t [1 capt] 3sbTH Dudu KUBRIASHVILI Stade Francaise [FRA Top 14] 29 39 2t rc sbTH Levan CHILACHAVA Toulon [FRA Top 14] 24 23 3t

LK Giorgi CHKHAIDZE Lille [FRA Fed1] 34 83 10t [1 capt] 6sbLK Levan DATUNASHVILI Aurillac [FRA Pro D2] 32 69 3t [3 capt] 6sbLK Giorgi NEMSADZE Tarbes [FRA Pro D2] 31 49 9t 3sbLK Kote MIKAUTADZE Toulon [FRA Top 14] 24 34 2t 2sb

BR Mamuka GORGODZE Toulon [FRA Top 14] 31 59 24t [2 capt] 4sbBR Shalva SUTIASHVILI Massy [FRA Pro D2] 31 48 t [7 capt] 3sbBR Vito KOLELISHVILI Clermont [FRA Top 14] 26 31 3t [1 capt] 2rc 4sbBR Giorgi TKHILAISHVILI Batumi [GEO] 24 20 t sbBR Lasha LOMIDZE Beziers [FRA Pro D2] 23 12 2t sb

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 Club [League] = for season 2014/15 Age = 2015 - year of birth


Head Coachsince 2012

b. 06/02/1964in Te PuiaSprings (NewZealand)

Played athalfback forSouthland(NZL),LondonScottish, Orrell, Richmond (ENG), Bay ofPlenty (NZL)

Coached at Wanganui and CountiesManukau (NZL) at provicial level, assisted atNew 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: -

AssistantCoachsince 2013

b. 02/05/1966in Castres(France)

Played athooker forCastres andMontpellier.

Tutored thepack at Montpellier and Clermont.

Honours: ENC-REC 2014, 2015 (as coach)

RWC experience: -

AssistantCoachsince 2010(bar 2012)

b. 17/11/1962in Cork(Ireland)

Played forMunster (IRE)

Capped:40 times(1984 - 1995) as halfback (5t)

Captained Ireland in 15 tests.

Coached at Ireland U21, Connacht (IRE),Ireland (2008 in NZL+AUS) and Edinburgh(SCO)

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

MiltonHAIG

MichaelBRADLEY

DidierBES

Management's Penpix



b. 20/01/1977in Tbilisi(Georgia)

Lelo # 101

Capped:66 times(1998 - 2011)as lock or No 8 (15t)

Captained the Lelos in 37 tests!

Honours: ENC-REC 2001, 2008, 2009 (asplayer); 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 (as coach)

RWC experience: 2003 v Samoa (capt),South Africa (sub), Uruguay (capt); 2007 vArgentina (capt), Ireland (capt); 2011 vEngland, Romania, Argentina (sub) =8 caps (4 as Captain)


b. 31/07/1977in Gurjaani(Georgia)

Lelo # 91

Capped:21 times(1997 - 2007)as centre or flanker (t - sb)

Honours: ENC-REC 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014,2015 (as coach)

RWC experience: 2007 v Ireland, France =2 caps; 2011 Assistant Coach

IliaMAISURADZE

IliaZEDGINIDZE



Lelo # 117

Capped:73 times(2002 - 2014)as winger or centre (24t - 5sb)

Captained the Lelos in 13 tests

Honours: ENC 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012,2013, 2014 (as player); REC 2015 (as coach)

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

IrakliMACHKHANELI


Fullback


178 cm, 89 kg

Started at:UniversityTbilisi

2014/15 club: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-gradeselection. Can play anywhere in the backline.Hopefully, will soon adapt to the rigours ofsenior rugby and regain lost confidence.

Loosehead

b. 21/04/1987in Chokhatauri(Georgia)

184 cm, 112 kg

Started at:Qochebi(Rams) Tbilisi

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 afourth choice in his position but expect tobe used as an impact player.

GiorgiAPTSIAURI

Karlen *Kakha*ASIESHVILI

Squad PenpixTeamManagersince 2005


Lelo # 94

Capped: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

VasilABASHIDZE


Halfback


178 cm, 81 kg

Started at:HooliganaTbilisi

2014/15 club:QochebiBolnisi [GEO]

Lelo # 209

Debut: Test # 133, 15/06/2011 @ Arcul,Bucharest; v Argentina A, W 14-13,as starter

Caps: 34

Scoring/cards: 2sb

Honours: ENC-REC 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015

RWC experience: -

Smart and cheeky but has stalled in hisprogress lately. Albeit not assured ofstarting berth, still remains a valuablemember of the squad thanks to his experi-ence.

Hooker


180 cm, 102 kg


2014/15 club:QochebiBolnisi [GEO]

Lelo # 188

Debut: Test # 103, 11/06/2008 @ Arcul,Bucharest; v South Africa A, L 3-11, as sub

Caps: 27

Scoring/cards: t

Honours: ENC-REC 2011, 2013, 2014

RWC experience: 2011 v Scotland, England,Romania, Argentina (sub) = 4 caps

Unfortunately, too injury-prone. Released forthat reason by Toulouse. Hopefully, will befully fit for RWC. Having started at flyhalf asa kid, later moved to flanker and ultimatelyto hooker. Hence, nice ball handler.

Tighthead

b. 17/08/1991in Sokhumi(Georgia)

188 cm, 125 kg


2014/15 club:Toulon[FRA Top 14]

Lelo # 212

Debut: Test # 139, 11/02/2012 @ Univer-sity, Madrid; v Spain, L 18-25, as sub

Caps: 23

Scoring/cards: 3t

Honours: ENC-REC 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015

RWC experience: -

Caught public's eye during JWRT 2011 heldin Tbilisi. Since then moved to France andregularly makes match-day 23 for Toulon.Can play on both sides of scrum.

GiorgiBEGADZE

JabaBREGVADZE

LevanCHILACHAVA


Lock


196 cm, 114 kg

Started at:Mglebi(Wolves)Tbilisi

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 forhis direct, no-nonsense approach. Unfortu-nately, was injured in June and now isracing against the time to recover.

Lock

b. 20/08/1981in Kutaisi(Georgia)

195 cm, 112 kg

Started at:Lelo Tbilisi

2014/15 club:Lille[FRA Fed1]

Lelo # 118

Debut: Test # 45, 03/02/2002 @ National,Tbilisi; v Holland, W 88-0, as starter



Honours: ENC-REC 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012,2013, 2014, 2015

RWC experience: 2003 v England, SouthAfrica, Uruguay; 2007 v Argentina, Ireland,Namibia, France; 2011 v Scotland (sub),England (sub), Romania, Argentina =11 caps

Stalwart, survivor from initial ENC erawhen Romania ruled the roost. This RWCwill be fourth in his celebrated career. Truewarrior, doing a lot of dirty work. A lineoutoption. Can play in back row as well.

GiorgiCHKHAIDZE

LevanDATUNASHVILI

Winger


182 cm, 85 kg

Started at:Vepkhvebi(Tigers)Patardzeuli

2014/15 club:Armazi Tbilisi[GEO]

Lelo # 224

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. Yetto make a mark at senior level.

MurazGIORGADZE


Centre


184 cm, 96 kg


2014/15 club:EniseyKrasnoyarsk[RUS]

Lelo # 167

Debut: Test # 78, 29/04/2006 @ Spartak,Odesa; v Ukraine, W 32-12, as sub


Scoring/cards: 17t sb

Honours: ENC-REC 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012,2013, 2014, 2015

RWC experience: 2007 v Ireland, Namibia(t); 2011 v Scotland, England, Romania,Argentina = 6 caps, 1 try

Long-serving head of the backline depart-ment. Rock solid and reliable. Shreadsdefences with ease and fetches the ballfrom tackled players.

Flyhalf


180 cm, 82 kg


2014/15 club:Lelo SaracensTbilisi [GEO]

Lelo # 187


Caps: 38

Scoring/cards: 5t 4c [33 pts]

Honours: ENC-REC 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015

RWC experience: 2011 v England (sub),Romania, Argentina (t) = 3 caps, 1 try

First choice pivot since 2013. Albeit notrenowned for goal kicking, directs playassuredly. Good tactician and distributor.At crucial time can make an odd break orkick pass.

Back rower


196 cm, 118 kg



Lelo # 127

Debut: Test # 53, 22/02/2003 @ National,Tbilisi; v Spain, W 34-3, as sub



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 ofthe Game in public perception. Switchedfrom basketball and brought with himwillingness to offload which was toounconventional until recently. Used to be apack leader at Montpellier but somewhatgot sidelined by Toulon.

MamukaGORGODZE

DavitKATCHARAVA

LashaKHMALADZE


Tighthead


183 cm, 122 kg


2014/15 club:StadeFrancaise[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, goodold-fashioned prop who can make valuablemetres as well as draw a goalable penalty atscrum time.

Back rower


192 cm, 104 kg


2014/15 club:Clermont[FRA Top 14]

Lelo # 190


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 butnotorious for poor discipline. Could beeasily provoked. Missed later half of lastseason through injury but has recovered intime and could reclaim his starting place.

Davit *Dudu*KUBRIASHVILI

Viktor *Vito*KOLELISHVILI

Halfback

b. 27/06/1993in Rustavi(Georgia)

165 cm, 73 kg

Started at:Kharebi(Bulls)Rustavi

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 aroundfringes. Takes goal kicks at club level wherehas been a leader since childhood.

VazhaKHUTSISHVILI


Halfback


175 cm, 75 kg

Started at:Armazi Tbilisi

2014/15 club:Armazi Tbilisi[GEO]

Lelo # 226

Debut: Test # 171, 07/02/2015 @Martinsee, Heusenstamm; v Germany, W64-8, as starter

Caps: 5

Scoring/cards: -

Honours: ENC-REC 2015, JWRT 2015

RWC experience: -

A product of relatively new, Armazi clubwhere two Lelo greats, both Irakli's -Abuseridze and Machkhaneli - coach. Haseverything to follow in tutors' footsteps andeven overtake them. This year was a startingNo 9 for both Georgia natonal team andU20, and has won every single game heplayed in.

Back rower


195 cm, 108 kg

Started at:AkademiaTbilisi

2014/15 club:Beziers[FRA Pro D2]

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 allcredentials to become a pack leader oneday - not too distant.

Fullback


177 cm, 80 kg


2014/15 club:Montlucon[FRA Fed1]

Lelo # 125

Debut: Test # 52, 16/02/2003 @ Jamor,Lisbon; v Portugal, L 30-34, as subCaps: 84Scoring/cards: 12t 108c 119p 3d [642 pts] 3sbHonours: ENC-REC 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012,2013, 2014, 2015RWC experience: 2003 v ENG (sub), SAM(sub), RSA (sub p sb), URU (sub 3p); 2007 vARG (p), IRE (c p), NAM (3c3p), FRA; 2011 vSCO (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 playedin the team's every RWC game. He has agood chance to become the first LeloCenturion. By the way, started at halfbackwhich is still being seen as his preferableposition, but due to team needs, first movedto flyhalf and lately, fullback.

Merab *Meko*KVIRIKASHVILI

VasilLOBZHANIDZE

LashaLOMIDZE


Hooker


180 cm, 106 kg


2014/15 club:Sale Sharks[ENG Prem]

Lelo # 208


Caps: 29

Scoring/cards: 3t

Honours: ENC-REC 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015

RWC experience: -

Reliable thrower at lineout. Looks like a bitslack but extremely quick and dexterous.Recovered from a nasty break.

ShalvaMAMUKASHVILI

Flyhalf


185 cm, 92 kg


2014/15 club:Bagneres[FRA Fed1]

Lelo # 178

Debut: Test # 97, 02/02/2008 @ Vake,Tbilisi; v Portugal, W 31-3, as sub

Caps: 56

Scoring/cards: 3t 27c 22p 3d [144 pts] 2sb

Honours: ENC-REC 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012,2014, 2015

RWC experience: 2011 v Argentina (sub) =1 cap

Renowned for his direct approach in attackand long kicking, both tactical and at posts.Could land a snap dropgoal.

LashaMALAGHURADZE

Hooker

b. 14/09/1986in Gurjaani(Georgia)

180 cm, 108 kg

Started at:HooliganaTbilisi

2014/15 club:Valence [FRAFed1]

Lelo # 179

Debut: Test # 99, 23/02/2008 @ University,Lisbon; v Portugal, W 11-6, as sub

Caps: 32

Scoring/cards: sb

Honours: ENC-REC 2008, 2011, 2015

RWC experience: -

Not a starting hooker but could be used as areserve flanker if needed. Tireless andfearless tackler.

SimonMAISURADZE


Loosehead


186 cm, 118 kg

Started at:Aia Kutaisi

2014/15 club:Montpellier[FRA Top 14]

Lelo # 210

Debut: Test # 139, 11/02/2012 @ Univer-sity, 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 propcrops. Versatile, tireless. First choiceloosehead by a mile.

Lock

b. 01/07/1991in Sokhumi(Georgia)

200 cm, 125 kg



Lelo # 200

Debut: Test # 122, 11/06/2010 @ Arcul,Bucharest; v Scotland A, W 22-21, as sub

Caps: 34


Honours: ENC-REC 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015

RWC experience: -

Tall timber, a bit slow and not always onehundred percent committed, but his timesurely will come sooner than later.

Winger


194 cm, 108 kg


2014/15 club:Agen[FRA Pro D2]

Lelo # 217

Debut: Test # 148, 02/02/2013 @ RoiBaudouin, Bruxelles; v Belgium, W 17-13,as starter

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.

Konstantine *Kote*MIKAUTADZE

TamazMTCHEDLIDZE

MikheilNARIASHVILI


Centre

b. 17/05/1993in Moscow(Russia) =qualifies viaparents andresidence

185 cm, 96 kg

Started at:AkademiaTbilisi

2014/15 club: Aurillac [FRA Pro D2]

Lelo # 211

Debut: Test # 139, 11/02/2012 @ Univer-sity, Madrid; v Spain, L 18-25, as starter


Scoring/cards: 7t

Honours: ENC-REC 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015

RWC experience: -

Went straight from youth into men'senvironment. Evasive runner with timelypass. Unanimous first choice at 12 sincedebut.

MerabSHARIKADZE

Lock


194 cm, 111 kg


2014/15 club:Tarbes[FRA Pro D2]

Lelo # 163

Debut: Test # 74, 12/11/2005 @ Vake,Tbilisi; v Chile, W 29-6, as starter

Caps: 49


Honours: ENC-REC 2008, 2011, 2012,2014, 2015

RWC experience: 2011 v Argentina (sub) =1 cap

Switched from handball. Scores a lot for alock. Has gained respect and regular placein match-day 23 only last year.

Winger

b. 02/06/1994in Tsqaltubo(Georgia)

192 cm, 95 kg


2014/15 club:Aia Kutaisi[GEO]

Lelo # 228

Debut: Test # 176, 13/06/2015 @ Avtchala,Tbilisi; v Uruguay, W 19-10, as starter

Caps: 3

Scoring/cards: -

Honours: -

RWC experience: -

Once a spoilt kid, just recently took thematters seriuosly. Enormously talented andhopefully, on right track. Master of offload.

GiorgiNEMSADZE

GiorgiPRUIDZE


Back rower

b. 08/04/1991in Kobuleti(Georgia)

180 cm, 103 kg

Started at:Batumi

2014/15 club:Batumi [GEO]

Lelo # 214

Debut: Test # 143, 09/06/2012 @ Avtchala,Tbilisi; v Ukraine, W 33-3, as starter

Caps: 20

Scoring/cards: t sb

Honours: ENC-REC 2012, 2014, 2015

RWC experience: -

Breakdown vulture in the mold of world'stop fetchers. Unfortunataly, could not finda suitable foreign club yet.

Winger


183 cm, 92 kg


2014/15 club:Lelo SaracensTbilisi [GEO]

Lelo # 180

Debut: Test # 100, 29/03/2008 @ Slavia,Prague; v Czechia, W 22-3, as starter

Caps: 48


Honours: ENC-REC 2008, 2009, 2012,2013, 2015

RWC experience: 2011 v Scotland, England,Romania, Argentina = 4 caps

Deceptively slow but canny guy with finestep. Able to man at centre and fullback aswell.

Back rower


193 cm, 102 kg


2014/15 club:Massy[FRA Pro D2]

Lelo # 165

Debut: Test # 74, 12/11/2005 @ Vake,Tbilisi; v Chile, W 29-6, as sub


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 lastyear.

ShalvaSUTIASHVILI

Giorgi *Koki*TKHILAISHVILI

SandroTODUA


Tighthead

b. 10/10/1983in Gamarjveba(Georgia)

179 cm, 117 kg

Started at:Kharebi(Bulls)Rustavi

2014/15 club:Clermont[FRA Top 14]

Lelo # 150

Debut: Test # 67, 30/10/2004 @ LuisFranzini, Montevideo; v Uruguay, L 7-17,as starter



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 propsthe Lelos' and Clermont's scrums, and evencontinues to score tries. Amazing for theold man.

DavitZIRAKASHVILI

Fullback


180 cm, 87 kg


2014/15 club:LokomotiviTbilisi [GEO]

Lelo # 192


Caps: 20

Scoring/cards: 2t 11c 15p 2d [83 pts]

Honours: ENC-REC 2012, 2013, 2014

RWC experience: -

Reliable under high ball. Can unexpectedlypop-up at ten. Top notch place kicker.Drops lots of field-goals at club level.

BekaTSIKLAURI

Missed the cut

Dimitri BASILAIA Back rower

Beka BITSADZE Back rower

Otar GIORGADZE Lock

Beka GORGADZE Back rower

Vasil KAKOVINI Loosehead

Vakhtang MAISURADZE Lock

Anton PEIKRISHVILI Tighthead

Saba SHUBITIDZE Back rower

Withdrew for injury

Irakli SVANIDZE Fullback

Giorgi TALAKHADZE Centre

Zurab ZHVANIA Loosehead

Stats as for Tue 1/09/2015http://Qaflan.netai.net/GANZI/KA_Borjhalosnebi.htm


Additional Staff

Beso ABRAMISHVILI Masseur

Irakli ABUSERIDZE Sporting Director

Paul CAMERON Physiotherapist

Scott CREAN Fitness coach

Eric DALLOZ Osteopath

Otar IASHVILI Logistics / Baggage Master

Irakli KHUNDADZE Assistant Manager

Lasha KHURTSIDZE International & Media Manager

Lasha LORTKIPANIDZE Cameraman

Calvin MORRISS Fitness coach

Davit RAMISHVILI Video Analyst

Irakli TCHQONIA Fitness trainer

Giorgi TCHUMBURIDZE Doctor

Four years ago it was *Square* Guide,also unofficial. It is still on the web athttp://issuu.com/qaflan/docs/geolelos_z

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.

© ZG [ [email protected] ]

Will be published on *issue* on Wed 2/09/2015,in the wake of team's official announcement.

2015 lelos

Documents