Georgian rugby team will play in the tournament of Eight Nations. The Rugby Union spreads information about the news.
"We would like to inform Georgian rugby and sports fans, the public - as a result of busy negotiations, it was finally decided that our national rugby team will participate in the Autumn Nations Cup 2020 from the second half of November, where they will be honored to play England, Ireland, Wales, and others.
While due to the coronavirus pandemic, which caused many problems in the world, including sports, in particular, rugby, almost all international tournaments and test matches got canceled, even domestic championships have not started in most countries, being invited to a tournament of this level is a significant achievement. Today, the dreams of many generations and fans of the Georgian rugby community got fulfilled, the selfless work and dedication of players, coaches, and specialists of all generations have been appreciated.
Georgia got a chance to participate in this tournament after Japan refused to come to Europe due to coronavirus. The leaders of "6 Nations" had enough choices for the vacancy. Fortunately, finally, they chose Georgia, for which we have to thank the "6 Nations". We want to thank the World Rugby for supporting Georgia. The Georgian Rugby Union negotiated with the Six Nations in close coordination with the government, with the help of "World Rugby." We are well aware that in the absence of a full-fledged training period and playing practice, it will be challenging to compete and show a high-quality game. However, we all agree on one thing - our team goes on the field to fight and will never spare themselves. We do not doubt that it will be the same now.
Participation in such a tournament is a great honor and recognition of Georgian rugby. In the long run, this will give us a chance to get closer to the "Six Nations" and one day join one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world. By participating in this competition, we will gain invaluable experience in sports and tournament management. "Autumn Nations Cup 2020" will influence children in Georgia and have a serious impact on rugby development in our country in the future.
In the end, we would like to express our gratitude to all the organizations or individuals who, financially or otherwise, stood by Georgian rugby. Without the growing financial support of the Government of Georgia over the years, our sport's success would have been unimaginable, for which we are sincerely grateful. The merit of the Cartu Charitable Foundation and its founder Bidzina Ivanishvili in Georgian rugby's development and advancement deserve special mention. His multimillion-dollar investments in rugby infrastructure and many other projects worldwide have been unique, not to be overlooked by World Rugby. In 2014, at the annual awards ceremony, he was awarded a special prize for his outstanding contribution to rugby development. Of course, special thanks to our dear fans for standing by our side, for their loyalty and patience. Congratulations once again, and we wish success to Georgian Rugby," the Rugby Union said in a statement.
