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Mamuka Gorgodze is poised to make a shock return for Georgia at the World Cup. Rumors had circulated during the week that the Lelos had approached Toulon regarding the former captain’s availability for the tournament. Gorgodze has now confirmed to Georgian media sources that he will indeed be joining the team for the tournament in Japan.
The giant forward announced his retirement from international rugby in 2017, citing wear and tear after 71 tests and nearly 300 first class games. Gorgodze has continued playing in the Top 14 for Toulon, however, and now at age 35 he will return to the world stage for one last time.
It’s a massive boost for Georgian rugby, and also timely. The Lelos were already without first choice flanker Vito Kolelishvili due to long-term concussion problems and lost another top flanker in Giorgi Tsutskiridze to injury just a week ago. Current captain and midfielder Merab Sharikadze is also an injury concern ahead of the final squad announcement.
Where Gorgodze will play remains to be seen. As his best, he was a world class loose forward. Recently he has split his time between the blindside flank and second row. Regardless, his presence will lift the team’s morale and add muscle to an already formidable scrum.
Georgia will compete in Pool D at the World Cup, along with Australia, Wales, Fiji, and Uruguay. They will face Los Teros on September 29 in Kumagaya.
