Shalva Gogoladze, Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of Georgia believes that the participation of the national rugby team in the prestigious international tournament - "8 Nations" will be a historic decision, as for the first time Georgia will be given the opportunity to compete in such a high-ranking tournament.

Due to the high interest of rugby fans and the sports community, Shalva Gogoladze took the liberty to also comment on the renewal of the National Rugby Championship season.

Shalva Gogoladze, Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport: "In recent years, the unprecedented support of the Cartu Foundation and the state for Georgian rugby have led us to the reality that today, under the leadership of the Prime Minister, We have the opportunity to apply for participation in the most prestigious tournament - "8 Nations".

We hope that both "World Rugby” and the Tournament organizing committee will make a beneficial and historic decision for Georgia and for the first time, our country will have the opportunity to compete in such a high-ranking tournament.

Evidently, the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic had a major impact on sports as well. In March, all current national championships in Georgia were suspended, including the National Rugby Championship - the Big Ten.

The Board of the Rugby Union decided to suspend the 2019/2020 Championship season. Subsequently, the Union makes every effort to start the new 2020/2021 season as soon as possible. With the support of the state, the training process has been resumed and all teams have entered a phase of active gatherings. The teams are preparing for the resumption of the National Rugby Championship at the end of this month.” Says Shalva Gogoladze.

It should be noted that as a result of this fruitful cooperation between the Government of Georgia, the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Georgia and the Rugby Union, active negotiations are underway with World Rugby and the Organizing Committee of the 6 Nations to officially admit the Georgian team to the prestigious tournament.

With the official consent of the organizers, the Georgian rugby team having participated at five World Cups, together with the "6 Nations" countries (England, France, Wales, Ireland, Scotland, Italy) and Fiji, will compete for the first time in such a high-ranking international tournament to be held in November-December 2020.