Rugby is the most successful sports in Georgia and perhaps, being a part of it is a great honor for everyone. At the same time, it is a sport with different approach, unwritten traditions and to pry into its case is absolutely unacceptable.

This is unacceptable for both the players and the people involved, as well as fans. The reason is simple – rugby is the only one who has retained identity in this country during the last 25 years.

Before the presidential elections, December 20, the statement of Georgian Rugby Union’s board gave rise to suspicion that a certain tension is still there and there are attempts to internal processes from outside. All members of the board confirmed that this statement was made to make prevention.

“The board’s statement means the only thing – to remind the public that the most important thing for rugby and rugby community is its values. Any question, decision, debate or disagreement, decides inside. Elections, in which more than one candidate participates, always accompanies tension and it is quite natural”, - says the president of the Georgian Rugby Union and one of the candidates, Giorgi Nizharadze.

The other candidate, former captain of “Lelos” Irakli Abuseridze responded by the social media:

“Today the Georgian rugby is associated with success. I am happy that at the age of 16 I chose this sport. During this period, the Georgian rugby was in a difficult situation, but our players have done their best to further increase the interest in rugby. The national team of rugby became one of the successful teams in Georgia in the last time. I am proud that I was the captain of this team during 7 years. After ending my career, I continued to work as sports director of rugby union. During this period, I saw fundamental problems in this field. While the Georgian rugby is facing new challenges, I believe my and my team’s experience, which we have accumulated over the years, should be used for the future of Georgian rugby.

On December 20, Georgian Rugby family will assemble and will decide who will lead the union over the next 4 years. I want to say to distance myself from any interference in the electoral process”, - says the statement.