Nika Abuladze heading to Rugby World Cup 2023

Exeter Chiefs loosehead prop, Nika Abuladze, has been selected in the Georgian squad for this autumns Rugby World Cup in France.

The Lelos will travel to France looking to make their mark on the tournament in what promises to be one of the most competitive World Cups in memory.

Under head coach Levan Maisashvili, the Georgian national side have made big strides, claiming a first victory over Wales in the 2022 Autumn Nations Series, and challenging the very best teams in world rugby.

Maisashvili has named 19 forwards and 14 backs in a squad that will be captained by centre Merab Sharikadze.

Fifteen of the players included have appeared at a previous Rugby World Cup, with Lasha Khmaladze and Aleksandre Todua set to play at the showpiece tournament for a fourth time.

Of the 33 players selected, 15 play for back-to-back Rugby Europe Super Cup winners Black Lion. Hooker Giorgi Chkoidze misses out on selection due to an injury he picked up in the warm-up match against Romania earlier this month.

Maisashvili said: “We have been observing these rugby players for a long time, we know their abilities well, and I believe that the best 33 have been selected at this stage.”

Georgia line up in Pool C alongside, Australia, Fiji, Portugal and Wales.

The Lelos Squad

Forwards:

Nika Abuladze, Beka Gigashvili, Guram Gogichashvili, Luka Japaridze, Mikheil Nariashvili, Guram Papidze, Shalva Mamukashvili, Luka Nioradze, Tengiz Zamtaradze, Vladimer Chachanidze, Nodar Cheishvili, Lasha Jaiani, Konstantine Mikautadze, Mikheil Gachechiladze, Beka Gorgadze, Luka Ivanishvili, Tornike Jalagonia, Beka Saginadze, Giorgi Tsutskiridze.

Backs:

Gela Aprasidze, Vasil Lobzhanidze, Tengiz Peranidze, Tedo Abzhandadze, Luka Matkava, Demur Tapladze, Aleksandre Todua, Merab Sharikadze, Tornike Kakhoidze, Modebadze Mirian, Akaki Tabutsadze, Davit Niniashvili, Lasha Khmaladze, Giorgi Kveseladze.