Georgia have named a 33-man squad for the Rugby World Cup 2023, which will be held in France from 8 September to 28 October. The squad is captained by centre Merab Sharikadze and includes 15 players who have appeared at a previous Rugby World Cup.
The forwards in the squad are:
- Giorgi Javakhia, Levan Chilachava, Mikheil Nariashvili, Beka Gigashvili, Jaba Bregvadze, Shalva Mamukashvili, Davit Zirakashvili, Beka Saginadze, Otar Giorgadze, Beka Gorgadze, Viktor Kolelishvili, Lasha Jaiani, Giorgi Tsutskiridze, Nodar Cheishvili, Mikheil Mikautadze, Levan Gabuniya.
The backs in the squad are:
- Merab Sharikadze (captain), Lasha Khmaladze, Davit Niniashvili, Guram Melikidze, Akaki Tabutsadze, Sandro Todua, Tedo Abzhandadze, Giorgi Kveseladze, Vasil Lobzhanidze, Lasha Japaridze, Beka Saginadze, Soso Matiashvili, Davit Katcharava, Lasha Khutsishvili.
The squad is a mix of experienced players and young talent, with the aim of building on Georgia’s best ever finish at the Rugby World Cup, which was third place in Pool C in 2015.
Georgia will face Australia, Fiji, Georgia and Portugal in Pool C at the Rugby World Cup 2023. They will begin their campaign against Australia on 9 September in Saint-Denis.
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The Georgian Rugby Union is confident that the squad has the potential to make a strong impact at the Rugby World Cup. Coach Levan Maisashvili said: “We have a very good squad with a good mix of experience and youth. We are confident that we can compete with the best teams in the world.”
Georgia are one of the most passionate rugby-playing nations in the world, and their fans are sure to create a raucous atmosphere at the Rugby World Cup. The Lelos will be hoping to make the nation proud in France.
See more: Meet the Players Who Will Be Competing for Rugby World Cup Glory in France
