Georgia’s triumph in the Rugby Europe Championship has prompted them to extend an invitation to Wales for a rugby fixture in Tblisi during the autumn. This decision comes in the wake of Wales’ recent finish at the bottom of the Six Nations table, an uncommon and disappointing outcome for the team.
Following a winless campaign in the Six Nations, Wales concluded with a disheartening defeat to Italy in Cardiff, marking their first time at the bottom of the table since 2003. Meanwhile, Georgia secured their seventh consecutive Rugby Europe championship, further solidifying their position as a dominant force in the second-tier competition, having won 13 out of the last 14 titles.
Amidst ongoing discussions about the potential for a play-off between the team at the bottom of the Six Nations and the Rugby Europe champion, the Georgian Rugby Union (GRU) has formally extended an invitation to Wales for a match in Tblisi. Ioseb Tkemaladze, president of the GRU, expressed his enthusiasm in inviting Wales and emphasised the strong connection between the two nations, referring to them as “rugby brothers.”
Formerly under the coaching of Wayne Pivac, Wales narrowly emerged victorious over Georgia during their last encounter in Cardiff, while Georgia suffered a defeat against Wales during the World Cup in Nantes.
The concept of a play-off has gained support from former Wales and British & Irish Lions captain Sam Warburton, who believes in the idea of introducing jeopardy in the Six Nations for all nations. He suggested the prospect of a play-off between Wales and Georgia as a means to ensure conscientious efforts from the teams.
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The rugby community eagerly awaits the response from Wales to Georgia’s challenge, as the prospect of a showdown between the two nations garners interest among rugby fans worldwide. Both teams have an opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities on the field and uphold the values of competition and sportsmanship.