Russian Rugby Union Cancels Test Match with Georgia
The Russian Rugby Federation published a statement saying that the Russian national team will not take part in TBC Rugby Series test match (RWC warm-up) against the Georgian national team, nick-named the Lelos, which was scheduled for August 27 in Tbilisi.
The Russians, who will open World Cup 2019 with their match against host country Japan, say they have pulled out of the friendly match due to recent developments in Georgia, referring to anti-Russian and anti-occupation rallies launched on June 20.
In a statement issued on their website, the Russian Rugby Federation “sincerely apologizes” to the fans of both teams. They point out that they have watched with “deep concern” recent events in Georgia and, in particular, in Tbilisi.
“Unfortunately, the actions of radical-minded individuals on the territory of Georgia lead to instances of disturbing public order and may pose a threat to the lives and health of people in this country,” the statement reads, adding that “due to these circumstances, the Rugby Federation of Russia considers it impossible to hold a match between the national teams.”
The Russian Rugby Federation “deeply appreciates” the partnership established with the Georgian Rugby Union. However, the statement says they want to “recall that one of the fundamental principles of the game is solidarity and mutual respect that go beyond cultural, geographical, political and religious differences.”
Georgian Rugby Union President Gocha Svanidze replied to the decision of the Russian Rugby Union, saying the safety of all visitors is guaranteed by the Government of Georgia, and is also supported by the Georgian Rugby Union.
Svanidze says Georgia has to accept Russia’s decision, “motivated by the current situation in Tbilisi and the risk of provocations.”
“Georgia has hosted such games in the past, hosts them now and will host more in future, always in a safe, fair and positive atmosphere,” he stressed.
He added that those who already purchased tickets for the Georgia vs Russia test-match can either attend the replacement match or get a refund.
With Russia out, the Six Nations B champions of Georgia are searching for a replacement World Cup warm-up fixture.
Rugby is one of the most popular sports in Georgia. The national team qualified for the Rugby World Cup four times, first in 2003, playing against rugby powers such as England and South Africa. The Lelos recorded their first ever World Cup win in the 2007 Rugby World Cup, where they beat Namibia 30–0. Since 2013, Georgia has hosted the World Rugby Tbilisi Cup.
Georgia is currently considered a second tier rugby union nation and is one of the world's fastest growing rugby nations. The Lelos participate in the Rugby Europe Championship, and won the tournament in 2001, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2018.
As of March 2019, Georgia has won 139 of their 222 representative matches, a winning record of 62.61%.
By Thea Morrison
Image source: World Rugby