Zurab Zhvania is a representative of that new wave which must increase competition in the national team.

The 22-year-old rugby player has everything for playing great rugby. Three years ago he transferred to “Stade Francais” of French Top 14. Zhvania held 7 matches in Top 14 and “Challenge Cup”. In the current season he could not get in lineup and held only 4 matches at “Challenge Cup”. This year he scored one try.

Zura has contract with the Paris club till the end of 2016. He has held 5 matches in “The Lelos” but Zhvania has never played Russia before. He is looking forward to February 22.

Zurab Zhvania: We started practicing on Monday. Today (Tuesday) we had a long practice in the morning. We discussed the matches of the Russians. I think we learnt the opponent well and the match will show the rest.

- You had a long practice in the evening as well.

- Because we have a rest tomorrow. We did everything today.

- You said you learnt the Russian team well. What level team is our next opponent?

- We beat the Russians easily and I do not think we will have any problem this time. I have never played Russia before. Last year I was called up but I could not get on the list. Hopefully, I will have a chance to play this year.

- What does it mean for you playing Russia?

- The Georgian national team is always differently motivated against this team. The current situation between our countries is the reason of it but it does not mean that we will behave this way on the field. The playing style of the Georgian national has changed and we will play balanced game. I want to ask the fans we will be the hosts of the Russians and please, do not throw bottles. The representatives of world and European rugby will attend this match. Our relatives and ladies will be there and it will be awkward for them to watch such behavior.

- Last year you played in the first team of “Stade Francais” more often than this year…

- Before the season the team added 5-6 strong rugby players. I have opponents from South Africa and Samoa. I am just 22 years old and I am waiting for my chance. I think when I had a chance I used it.

The Georgian national rugby union team: Mikheil Nariashvili (“Montpellier”, France), Zurab Zhvania (“Stade Francais”, France), Jaba Bregvadze (“Toulousain”, France), Shalva Mamukashvili (“Armia”, Tbilisi), Davit Zirakashvili (“Clermont”, France), Levan Chilachava (“Toulonnais”, France), Levan Datunashvili (“Aurillac”, France), Kote Mikautadze (“Toulonnais”, France), Giorgi Nemsadze (“Tarbes”, France), Giorgi Chkhaidze (“Tarbes”, France), Givi Berishvili (“Lokomotiv”, Tbilisi), Mamuka Gorgodze (“Montpellier”, France), Vito Kolelishvili (“Lyon”, France), Giorgi Tkhilaishvili (“Armia”, Tbilisi), Dimitri Basilaia (“Edinburgh”, Scotland), Giorgi Begadze (“Kochebi”, Tbilisi), Vazha Khutsishvili (“Kharebi”, Rustavi), Lasha Khmaladze (“Lelo”, Tbilisi), Lasha Malaghuradze (“Bagneres”, France), Merab Kvirikashvili (“Vienne”, France), Davit Kacharava (“Yenisey”, Russia), Tedo Zibzibadze (“Perigueux”, France), Tamaz Mchedlidze (“Bourg-en-Bresse”, France), Irakli Machkhaneli (“Armazi”, Tbilisi), Giorgi Shkinini (“Armia”, Tbilisi), Merab Sharikadze (“Bourg-en-Bresse”, France), Beka Tsiklauri (“Lokomotiv”, Tbilisi). 

The 2014 European Nations Cup. The 2015 World Cup qualifying

II circle. III round

February 22

Georgia – Russia

Romania – Spain

Belgium – Portugal

Zura Ksovreli