RC Vannes is about to take a leap into the unknown. “The Challenge Cup is new for Breton Rugby,” confides Jean-Maurice Decubber. It’s a big leap into the unknown that we can’t wait to take. »
This impression is increased tenfold by the destination of this first European Cup match in the club’s history. Tbilisi, capital of Georgia, is located nearly 4,000 km as the crow flies from the Morbihan city.
An exotic destination and an unknown team. Black Lion, who played in the Challenge Cup for the first time last season, left the rookie seat to the people of Vannes.
“They are two new clubs, so it will be a refreshing match,” said Vakhtang Maisuradze, the former second row of RCV (2016-2018).
Last season, the Georgian franchise won one match (at the Scarlets) for three defeats. The team based in Tbilisi, created in 2021, is the only professional training in the country located between Europe and Asia.
“The national team is divided between players playing in France and those playing in Georgia,” adds Maisuradze. The Federation therefore created Black Lion with the objective of preparing them for the national team. »
“They have internationals in all the lines”
The bridge between the two is obvious. The coach of Georgia, the Englishman Richard Cockerill, is also the coach of Black Lion. The style of play is essentially the same. “We analyzed their strengths which are those of Georgia in fact: they are very strong in mauls, very strong in scrums,” explains Decubber. It takes a ball, it goes straight and very strong. So it’s going to be a big fight. We know it in advance. »
“They have several dangerous players. They have internationals in all the lines,” continues Yoann Boulanger, the coach in charge of the backs at RCV.
Because, from now on, Georgia is training more and more quality players in all positions like Lyon fullback Davit Niniashvili. Black Lion has its phenomena with winger Akaki Tabutsadze and fly-half Luka Matkava.
“Rugby has become the No. 1 sport in Georgia, we have a lot of children in rugby schools,” says Vakhtang Maisuradze. There is a new wave of players arriving. Before, it was a lot of pillars or second lines. Now, there are three-quarters, third wing lines…”
“Rugby in Georgia is progressing very quickly”
Since its creation, Black Lion has participated in the Rugby Europe Super Cup, a championship bringing together teams from emerging rugby countries (Spain, Portugal, Romania, Belgium, Netherlands, etc.). The Georgians have been titled four times in as many editions, the last of which was on October 12. The club is aiming for integration into the URC, the championship where the best Irish, South African, Scottish, Welsh and Italian teams participate, in order to continue its development. And that the Lelos, nickname of the selection, shine even more. “Rugby in Georgia is progressing very quickly. It’s a shame we’re not yet playing the Six Nations, regrets Maisuradze. But I’m sure that one day we will play it. »
Morocco
