Georgia national rugby union team
The Georgia national rugby union team, nicknamed The Lelos, represents Georgia in men’s international rugby. They are run by the Georgian Rugby Union and take part in the Rugby Europe Championship, the Rugby World Cup (every four years), and, from 2026, the World Rugby Nations Cup. Georgia is considered one of the strongest teams outside the traditional rugby powers and is growing quickly.
Facts about the team
- Nickname: The Lelos
- Governing body: Georgian Rugby Union
- Coach: Marco Bortolami (interim)
- Captain: Beka Gorgadze
- World ranking: 11 (as of February 10, 2025)
- World Cup appearances: 7 (first in 2003)
- Biggest win: 110–0 vs Switzerland (2025)
- Biggest defeat: 84–6 vs England (2003)
- Home stadium: Various venues in Georgia
What the team is known for
- The Lelos’ name comes from Georgia’s ancient folk game Lelo Burti. In rugby, “lelo” is used to refer to a try.
- Rugby is very popular in Georgia. Many players play professionally in France (Top 14 and lower divisions).
- Georgia has risen from a Soviet-era program to a regular World Cup presence since 2003 and is a leading light among second-tier rugby nations.
- The team has been especially successful in the Rugby Europe Championship, often finishing at or near the top in recent years.
A quick history
- Rugby came to Georgia in the mid-20th century, and the national team began playing as an independent country after 1991.
- Georgia’s first Rugby World Cup appearance was in 2003. They won their first World Cup match in 2007 (Namibia) and have since built a reputation for physicality and strong defense.
- The Lelos have regularly dominated the Rugby Europe Championship and have continued to grow, with a history of notable results against larger rugby nations.
- The team’s development has included players who have become stars in France and other major rugby leagues.
Looking ahead
- Georgia continues to develop its rugby program, aiming to compete more strongly on the world stage and secure qualification for future Rugby World Cups.
- The squad remains a core part of Georgia’s national sport identity, linking modern rugby with the country’s traditional Lelo Burti heritage.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 01:45 (CET).