Irakli Abuseridze, sports director of the Georgian Rugby Union and former captain of “The Lelos”, is going to work for the Georgian rugby till the end.

In spite of that Irakli has a very busy agenda, he is actively involved in rugby and hopes “Tbilisi Cup” will stay in Tbilisi. Many people did not like the decision of “Abu” about going into policy but the veteran rugby player has a clear answer about it – nobody will make me lose integrity and honesty.

“World Sport” started conversation with Abuseridze about upcoming tournaments.

- What are the chances of the Georgian national team to win “Tbilisi Cup” this year?

- We always lack leaders in June but it is good because young players have a chance to show themselves. Nobody can say Georgia has a weak team. Our players have an experience of playing at the French Championships and I think we have a quite good chance this year.

Besides that, our coach is choosing optimal composition for World Cup. The young players showed themselves in “Growing Georgia” and some of them are in the national team now. There are some players who have already played at World Cup but the coach does not want to change the composition in official matches and they have a good chance to return to the team.

- How has the team developed after your leave?

- When there are some changes in the composition, there are always some downs. We win matches but I know the level is not high. We need time and experience. I am sure everything will be alright soon. In short, the team lacks stability which comes with experience.

- You spent most of your career in “Federal” Division of France. You played the previous season in “Armazi”. Is the Georgian Championship developing?

- The French players pay more attention to playing with hand in “Federal 2”. Our championship is developing. The support of Ministry of Sport has paid off. This year it was not clear which club would have won the championship. The competition has increased and I am sure future championships will be more interesting.

- In your opinion are the Georgian clubs ready to play at European Cups?

- We need finances. It took Italy many years to gain the first victory at European Cup. But we must make this step because teams are developing this way. It will increase level of the championship and we will have a lot of experience players.

- Why did Irakli Abuseridze decide to go into politics?

- I want to do something good for my country. I will never lose integrity and honesty! I will try to solve all problems of the Tbilisi citizens. Besides that, I will be involved in organizing sport events in the capital. I am not going to leave rugby because it is my favorite job.

Zura Ksovreli