Rugby: Georgia could host prestigious youth championship

Georgia could host the rugby Junior World Championship in 2017.

The country has prepared its case and will next week apply to the International Rugby Board (IRB) for the rights to organise and host the world’s most prestigious tournament for budding rugby players.

The country’s Prime Minister, Irakli Garibahsvili, met with Georgian Rugby Union representatives to discuss Georgia’s application.

"The IRB firmly supports us to host this championship,” the PM said.

"This is a very important decision in terms of raising awareness about Georgia, its sports and culture around the globe and also increasing rugby popularity inside the country.”

If Georgia’s bid to host the tournament is accepted, aspiring players from all over the globe could come here to take part. The tournament has an age cap of 20 years.

The Georgian Rugby Union representatives said several events would be held during the youth championship event to raise awareness of Georgian culture and wine.

The group also presented their plan on how the team would prepare for the 2015 Rugby World Cup to the PM and Cabinet members.

They said the strongest members of Georgia’s rugby team would go to the UK in 2015 and compete in the world-class tournament.