Georgia are the next team that we focus on, as they take part in the Rugby Europe U18 Championship competition in Prague which gets underway this weekend.
The reigning champions, Georgia, will be back to fight another piece of silverware and captain David Baramia tells us what we can expect from the young Lelos.
What are your team's goals for the 2024 Men's Rugby Europe U18 Championship?
Our primary goal is to show our development as a team, to show higher performance from one game to another and at the same time to defend the title. We are aiming for the European Championship title of course, but it’s about more than just winning for us – it’s about showing our team's growth and spirit. We want to play with heart and discipline, executing everything we have practised.
What can you tell us about you?
I am proud to represent the Georgian rugby team in my new role of captain, it is a big responsibility and challenge, and I am determined to give my maximum effort to justify my team members' and trainers' trust and expectations.
Do you have any individual goals that you would like to achieve in the competition?
Considering my new role and responsibility, the team's success will be my success. On the other hand, my goal is also to push my limits and see how far I can go in terms of both skill and mental toughness. I also want to demonstrate consistency in my performance, so that every time I step on the field, my team knows they can count on me.
Can you define your team in three words?
United, determined, resilient and resilient because we keep pushing through tough moments. United, as we play and support each other like family, knowing that we are stronger together. And determined as we have that fire to keep going until the end.
What message would you like to share with your team's fans?
To our fans, first, we are grateful for their incredible support, and belief in us. We feel your support with every cheer and message, and it drives us to give our all on the field. Keep cheering for us as we will need your energy through every match. We will be fighting hard to make you proud in this European Championship.
Alongside the lock, we have picked two extra players who possess all the ingredients to become stars in the Lelos setup.
Luka Saghinadze (U18 / loose forward): Luka Saghinadze has already left a mark in the Rugby Europe youth competitions, and he will certainly leave it again in 2024. What can you expect from him? Bone-crushing tackles, top-notch poaching skills and agile handling skills. The full Lelos package!
Saba Sharvashidze (U18 / wing): tries, tries and more tries, that’s the way of Saba Sharvashidze, one of Georgia’s best outside backs for this Rugby Europe U18 Championship. Agile as a fox, the wing will be a constant threat, one that will set the tournament alight.
By Francisco Isaac
