Georgia name training squad for Americas tour

Georgia have named a 36-man training squad to prepare for their historic three-match tour of the Americas. The first stop is Calgary to play Canada on June 10, then the USA in Kennesaw on Jun 17, and finally Argentina in Jujuy on June 24. Head coach Milton Haag will reduce the traveling squad by three before departure on June 3.

In looking to further establish themselves as a force, Georgia are touring with an eye to winning matches. In June 2016 the Lelos were undefeated in the Pacific Islands. They have also secured a favorable draw for Rugby World Cup 2019. In Japan they will meet Australia and Wales. Argentina have England and France.

Australia, Wales and Georgia will be joined by two qualifiers. They are to be Oceania 1 and Americas 2 respectively. Put differently, either Canada or the USA are likely to face Georgia in Japan 2019. Americas 2 is to be the winner of the North American runner-up vs the winner of the ongoing South American ‘A’ Championship.

The Georgian roster contains no shortage of foreign-based players. As has been the norm over the years French clubs contribute the majority of the forwards. An evolving change, however, sees three UK based players – Jaba Bregvadze, Giorgi Nemsadze and Anton Peikrishvili.

The backline is far more homebased. The exceptions see three French-based and two Russian-based players included. 33-year-old veteran Merab Kvirikashvili will tour. With 103 caps to his name he is most capped Tier 2 player of all time.

Not considered due to injury are David Kubriashvili, Giorgi Tetrashvili, Vakhtang Maisuradze, Beka Gorgadze, Badri Liparteliani, Anzor Sichinava and Irakli Svanidze. They join the notable absentee of Mamuka Gorgodze. Georgia’s former captain and greatest ever player recently retired from test rugby.

FORWARDS
Karlen Asieshvili (Brive, FR), Tornike Mataradze (Lyon, FR), Mikheil Nariashvili (Montpellier, FR), Badri Alkhazashvili (Toulon, FR), Jaba Bregvadze (Worcester Warriors, UK), Shalva Mamukashvili (Toulon, FR), Soso Bekoshvili (Brive, FR), Levan Chilachava (Toulon, FR), Irakli Mirtskhulava (Oyonnax, FR), Anton Peikrishvili (Cardiff Blues, UK), Nodar Cheishvili (Lelo Saracens), Giorgi Chkhaidze (Domont, FR), Kote Mikautadze (Montpellier, FR), Giorgi Nemsadze (Bristol, UK), Beka Bitsadze (Chambéry, FR), Otar Giorgadze (Clermont Auvergne, FR), Mikheil Gachechiladze (Enisei STM, RU), Vito Kolelishvili (Clermont Auvergne, FR), Lasha Lomidze (Krasny Yar, RU), Giorgi Tkhilaishvili (Batumi), Giorgi Tsutskiridze (Brive, FR)

BACKS
Giorgi Begadze (Kochebi), Vazha Khutsishvili (Lokomotivi), Vasil Lobzhanidze (Brive, FR), Rezi Jinchvelashvili (Aia), Lasha Khmaladze (Lelo Saracens), Lasha Malaguradze (Krasny Yar, RU), David Kacharava (Enisei STM, RU), Giorgi Koshadze (Kharebi), Tamaz Mchedlidze (Agen, FR), Merab Sharikadze (Aurillac, FR), Soso Matiashvili (Akademia), Giorgi Pruidze (Aia), Sandro Todua (Lelo Saracens), Merab Kvirikashvili (Lelo Saracens), Beka Tsiklauri (Lokomotivi)