Georgia national rugby league team
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The Georgia national rugby league team played its first international game in 2005. The Georgian team play in a red jersey with a white cross on the front. Before a match, they have their own "haka", called the Perkhuli (meaning "footwork").
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[edit] History
The history of rugby league in Georgia began in 1991 when a Georgian player was recruited by a Russian rugby league club. In 1993 a rural Georgian rugby union club team defected to the Russian Rugby League. The club and all of its players were banned from playing rugby union in the future.
In 2004 Paata Tsintsadze established rugby league in Georgia, with the backing of the Rugby League European Federation. In June 2004 the Georgia Rugby League (GRL) was incorporated, and recognised by the State Sports Ministry. Nodar Andghuladze was the first Chief Executive Officer and David Kilassonia the coaching manager. Soon after rugby union clubs Locomotivi (Railways RC) and Hooligana RC joined the GRL, alongside a third club, the newly founded Raindebi (Knights).
Georgia played its first international match on April 29, 2005 against Netherlands in Rotterdam. The first international match on Georgian soil took place on July 24, 2005 at Dynamo Stadium, Tbilisi. In that match Georgia defeated Serbia 44-12 in front of 8000 spectators.
After winning a position to compete in the 2005 European Nations Cup, Georgia performed admirably against Russia, going down 48 to 14. After the defeat, Georgia took on six-time European Champions France, going down 60 to nil, in a rain soaked Vake Stadium in Georgia.
[edit] 2008 World Cup Qualifying
See also 2008 Rugby League World Cup qualifying
In 2006 Georgia won Europe Round One, defeating Netherlands and Serbia in the process. They will now be involved in Europe Pool One with Scotland and Wales. The winner of the pool will qualify for the 2008 World Cup with the runner up entering the Repecharge round.
[edit] The Haka
The Haka is a war dance, similar to that performed by the New Zealand national rugby league team. It is used to add flamboyance to the spectacle whilst also adding to Georgian national pride in their history. It also has its effects on the field where the Georgian spirits should be uplifted whilst their opposition should be intimidated.
The idea has its roots in Georgian war history. During wars, Georgians performed a Khorumi dance to lift up the spirits and celebrate victories. Georgians have since been remembered for their fierce battles and great courage, which Georgian administrators hope will translate to the field.
The idea to use a war dance for the Georgian national rugby league team was the brain child of Georgian national ballet leader and choreographer Iliko Sukhishvili. The dance is call Perxuli, which means Footwork.
Iliko fist unsuccessfully approached Georgian Rugby Union, after which he pitched his idea successfully to the Georgian Rugby 13 Federation. The idea was also supported and approved by Samoan born Richard Ale, who is working in Tbilisi and volunteered to coach Georgia.
The Haka was first used in Georgians first international against Holland who they defeated 34 - 14 in 2005. From now on any team that will play Georgia will have to face the fierce Perxuli Haka.
[edit] Lyrics
13 kartveli! 13 Georgians!
13 vajkaci! 13 bravehearts!
13 mebrzoli! 13 Warriors!
dges gicvevt brzolashi, we challenge you,
brzolashi gicvevt! we challenge you!
Cameti Kartveli mebrzoli dges 13 Georgian warriors today
gicvevt brzolashi, we challenge you,
brzolashi gicvevt! we challenge you!
Chven vdgavart ertad, We stand together
da vambobt erts: And say the same:
gulebi brzolis Our Hearts are pounding
ckurvilit gvicems! with the hunger of battle!
Mxari mxars mivcet we give shoulder to shoulder
Da xeli xels! arm to arm !Mxari mxars mivcet shoulder to shoulderDa xeli xels ! arm to arm !
[edit] Results
- France 60- 0 Georgia (30 October 2005)
- Russia 48-14 Georgia (23 October 2005)
- Georgia 34-14 Netherlands (29 April 2005)
- Georgia 44-12 Serbia (24 July 2005)
- Georgia 46-19 Russia (4 February 2006)
- Georgia 45-10 Serbia (13 May 2006)
- Georgia 57-16 Netherlands (26 May 2006)
See Russia for games played by "Soviet Union" and "C.I.S." in early 1990's
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
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