A fiercely proud Georgian team will be targeting qualification for the knockout stages for the first time in their history in Australia.

Georgia will take part in Men’s Rugby World Cup for a seventh time and will be targeting qualification for the knockout stage for the first time in their history.

While France 2023 didn’t go as intended, the 17-time Rugby Europe Championship winners have the capacity to cause a surprise, especially with the likes of Davit Niniashvili, Luka Matkava and Beka Gorgadze in their ranks.

Their set-piece prowess and physicality have been massive factors in their rise, but Georgia will need to maintain their discipline and consistency of performance throughout the campaign. 

Players to watch

Davit Niniashvili

The Stade Rochelais magician is all about illusion and fireworks. Mostly from wing or full-back, although he has occasionally started at fly-half, the 23-year-old can ignite dream-like attacking wonders for the Lelos while giving the opposition nightmares. Delivers decisive gains and striking impact to Georgia's attack.

Giorgi Kveseladze

Georgia and iron-clad centres are a combination that has existed since time immemorial and Kveseladze is an excellent example. The 29-year-old is a cunning operator who sets up attacking platforms for his team-mates, injecting belief and consistency into the Lelos' game. 

Beka Saginadze

The utility forward brings leadership, dominant tackles, roaring passion and much more. Ranks highly as one of the hardest-working players on the planet, always looking to pilfer ball or make a big tackle that gives Georgia a way out of a tricky situation.

RWC icon

Is there a more iconic Lelos player than the legendary Mamuka Gorgodze? Nicknamed 'Gulliver', or 'Gorgodzilla' as he was known by his Montpellier team-mates, the Tbilisi native was a ferocious flanker or number eight who excelled at the lineout and laid down the law in the physical contests. Gave his soul to the Georgian cause in four Rugby World Cups from 2007 to 2019, earning the respect of the entire rugby community. 

RWC cult hero

One of only eight players to have won more than 100 caps for Georgia, Shalva Mamukashvili is regarded as one of the most resilient and combative players in the Lelos' history. His performance against Wales at RWC 2019 was outstanding, the hooker skittling Welsh tacklers like a bowling ball with his thunderous ball-carrying.

Head coach

Frenchman Pierre-Henry Broncan is taking up the reins, aiming to reignite the Lelos' fire. The experienced 51-year-old has coached at several Pro D2 and Top 14 teams since the 2000s and has a knack for turning teams around and inspiring them to believe in achieving the impossible. Had a brief spell working with the Wallabies under Eddie Jones, but Georgia will be his first experience as head coach of an international side.

Most memorable match

Georgia have recorded five victories and a draw in their seven Rugby World Cup campaigns, but their most memorable performance came at France 2007 when they nearly pulled off a major upset against Ireland in Bordeaux.

The Lelos fought valiantly throughout 80 gruelling minutes and at 14-10 behind, almost snatched a late winning try when they were held up over the line after 11 phases. Although it didn’t end in triumph, Georgia’s performance inspired future generations.

Pool journey

3 October 2027 v Romania (Townsville│Gurambilbarra) 
10 October v South Africa (Brisbane│Meeanjin)
17 October v Italy (Newcastle│Awabikal-Worimi)

Did you know...? 

Georgia has a unique language and alphabet with no connection to any major language family. The Kartvelian language was established in the Fourth Century, becoming the main language of the region that would later become Georgia.

RWC history

Pool stage (6) - 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, 2023

Georgia first qualified for Men’s Rugby World Cup in 2003 and have finished fourth in their pool three times (2007, 2011, 2019) and fifth in 2003 and 2023, the two editions in which they failed to win a match.

Their best performance came at RWC 2015, when they won two games for the first time – beating Tonga and Namibia – to finish third in Pool C.

Key stat

Of teams to have played 10 or more games at Men's Rugby World Cup, Georgia have the lowest average of turnovers conceded per match (15.4).

RWC Fast facts 

• RWC debut: 2003
• RWC best finish: Third in pool (2015)
• Most RWC appearances: Mamuka Gorgodze, Merab Kvirikashvili (15)
• Top RWC try scorer: Mamuka Gorgodze (4)
• Top RWC points scorer: Merab Kvirikashvili (86)