Georgia will be competing at their fourth successive Rugby World Cup after making their debut in 2003 in Australia.
Their first World Cup victory came in France in 2007 when they beat Naminia 30-0, while their second came against Romania, whom they beat 25-9 in 2011.
‘The Lelos’ have won the European Nations Cup for the past five years in a row while the bulk of their national squad plays professionally in France.
They qualified for the World Cup after winning the European Nations Cup Division 1A competition with 41 points, finishing ahead of Romania on 38 and Russia on 26 points.
In June they came third in the Tbilisi Cup after losing 45-12 to the winners Emerging Ireland and 26-10 to Emerging Italy, while they beat Uruguay 19-10.
Some of their top players include fly half Merab Kvirikashvili who is their all-time record points scorer and will be going to his fourth World Cup, and flanker Giorgi Chkhaidze who will also be going to his fourth World Cup.
Their World Cup squad also includes 18-year-old scrum half Vasil Lobzhanidze who was a member of their U-20 side that won this year’s World Rugby U-20 Trophy, and who will become the youngest ever player at the Rugby World Cup.
Georgia’s World Cup squad:
Backs: Merab Kvirikashvili, Beka Tsiklauri, Giorgi Aptsiauri, Sandro Todua, Tamaz Mtchedlidze, Muraz Giorgadze, Giorgi Pruidze, David Katcharava, Merab Sharikadze, Lasha Malaghuradze, Lasha Khmaladze, Giorgi Begadze, Vazha Khutsishvili, Vasil Lobzhanidze.
Forwards: Mikheil Nariashvili, Kakha Asieshvili, Simon Maisuradze, Shalva Mamukashvili, Jaba Bregvadze, David Zirakashvili, Dudu Kubriashvili, Levan Chilachava, Giorgi Chkhaidze, Levan Datunashvili, Giorgi Nemsadze, Kote Mikautadze, Mamuka Gorgodze (captain), Shalva Sutiashvili, Vito Kolelishvili, Giorgi Tkhilaishvili, Lasha Lomidze.
Coach: Milton Haig
World ranking: 16
Georgia will compete in Group C against New Zealand, Argentina, Tonga and Namibia.
Recent results:
Aug 28: Newcastle Falcons 27 Georgia 7, Newcastle
June 21: Georgia 12 Emerging Ireland 45, Tbilisi
June 17: Georgia 10 Emerging Italy 26, Tbilisi
June 13: Georgia 19 Uruguay 10, Tbilisi
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