Importance Score: 55 / 100 🔵
Georgia Pursues United Rugby Championship Membership for Black Lion
Georgian rugby is actively engaged in discussions, with the support of World Rugby, to facilitate the entry of their domestic team, Black Lion, into the United Rugby Championship (URC). This move underscores their growing discontent with the limited opportunities for their national team to compete against top-tier international sides.
Six Nations Expansion Remains a Key Ambition
The Lelos, under the guidance of head coach Richard Cockerill, formerly of England and Leicester, have long held aspirations of joining the prestigious Six Nations Championship. Their preference is not to displace any of the current competing nations, but rather to contribute to an expanded tournament format.
However, despite Georgia’s current higher position than Wales in the World Rugby rankings, immediate inclusion in the Six Nations appears improbable. Consequently, the focus has shifted towards strengthening their domestic rugby scene.
Focus on Domestic Growth with URC Talks
Negotiations are underway to potentially integrate Black Lion into the URC, a professional league currently comprising teams from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Italy, and South Africa.
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Georgia high performance director and former coach Levan Maisashvili
Withdrawal from Rugby Europe Super Cup to Prioritize URC
Levan Maisashvili, Georgia’s high performance director and former national coach, stated to Mail Sport regarding Black Lion’s future: “We have made the decision to withdraw from the Rugby Europe Super Cup.”
“We now have the chance to commence negotiations for entry into the URC. This represents one of our primary strategic objectives, and we possess the complete endorsement of World Rugby in this endeavor.”
Maisashvili emphasized, “URC inclusion would signify a substantial advancement for Georgian rugby, particularly given the circumstances anticipated from 2026 onwards.”
“From that juncture, we will effectively forfeit opportunities to face tier-one nations at the international level in the lead-up to Rugby World Cups.”
Need for Tier-One Exposure
Cockerill and the Georgian national team require increased Test match exposure against tier-one nations to facilitate further development. Their current participation in Rugby Europe, the competition tier below the Six Nations (which Georgia has dominated with 17 titles), does not provide this level of competition. Black Lion has been competing in the second-tier European Challenge Cup since 2023.
Black Lion: A Catalyst for Georgian Rugby Advancement
Soso Tkemaladze, President of Georgian Rugby, asserted, “Black Lion is crucial for the progression of Georgian Rugby.”
“The Challenge Cup has provided us with valuable experience over the past two years. We are now seeking a new tournament to further our development.”
“We are currently in preliminary discussions with the URC and, while still early in the process, we are optimistic that Black Lion’s growth will continue in this direction.”
Recent Victories Highlight Georgia’s Potential
Over the past five years, Georgia has demonstrated its competitiveness with victories against Wales, Italy, and Japan.
Furthermore, their Under-20 team has achieved a notable win against England.
Tkemaladze remarked on the emerging talent, stating, “A great new generation is coming.”
Challenges and the Future Landscape of Georgian Rugby
While Georgia’s Under-18 side participates in the Six Nations, the absence of immediate pathways for Under-20 or senior team inclusion, compounded by Georgia missing out on the new Nations Championship commencing in 2026, places them in a precarious situation.
Tkemaladze explained, “For the prospects of Georgian rugby, the landscape has become significantly more complex due to the new tournament initiated by World Rugby from 2026.”
“This implies a prolonged period without fixtures against tier-one teams, which we find difficult to accept. This will be detrimental to our progress.”
“Consequently, the significance of Black Lion is amplified for the ongoing development of Georgian Rugby.”
Call for Six Nations Expansion and Global Rugby Growth
Tkemaladze clarified Georgia’s position: “Under no circumstances does Georgia advocate for the exclusion of any current Six Nations countries. Conversely, we would enthusiastically welcome its expansion to promote global rugby growth.”
“We require the opportunity to participate in matches at that level. The entire Georgian nation aspires to this, and we are diligently working to achieve this objective.”
President Soso Tkemaladze emphasizes the emergence of a ‘great new generation’ for Georgia
“The time is fast approaching when the collective agreement will be that tournament expansion represents the optimal decision for all involved. Let us make choices that mutually benefit all stakeholders, both commercially and from a sporting standpoint.”
Unanswered Invitation to Wales
Tkemaladze’s proposition for Georgia to host Wales in Tbilisi this summer – a match that could be viewed as a de-facto Six Nations promotion and relegation encounter – has not yet received a positive response.
“To date, Wales has not responded to our invitation,” Tkemaladze noted. “They are currently facing challenges. Our invitation remains open. I wish them success in regaining their peak form.”
Georgia Ready to Prove Their Place Among Elite
Maisashvili concluded, “Our recent accomplishments have demonstrated that we warrant a place on the global stage, and now is the opportune moment to solidify our standing among rugby’s elite.”
“We are not seeking preferential treatment or easy routes. We are prepared to earn our position through dedicated effort, commitment, and passion. We believe in expansion, in the growth of the sport, and in proving our capabilities through actions, not just words.”
“Our vision is to bring world-class rugby to Georgia, to provide our players with the opportunities they rightfully deserve, and to showcase the appeal of our sport to broader audiences.”
“We are fully prepared to embrace the challenges ahead and to elevate Georgian rugby to unprecedented heights.”