Georgia call out Wales after Six Nations humiliation

For the first time since 2003, Wales were handed the Six Nations wooden spoon.

Fri, 22 Mar, 2024 - 11:18

PJ Browne

Georgian Rugby has issued a challenge to their Welsh counterparts, calling for the Six Nations side to play them in an international test this autumn.

For the first time since 2003, Wales were handed the Six Nations wooden spoon after they finished bottom of the table with no wins. Head coach Warren Gatland offered his resignation following defeat to Italy last weekend.

This year, for the seventh consecutive time, Georgia won the second tier Rugby Europe competition, defeating Portugal 36-10 in the final match. It was the 13th time Georgia have claimed the title in the last 14 seasons.

There has long been a debate over whether there should promotion and relegation between the Rugby Europe competition and the Six Nations.

Former Wales captain Sam Warburton has been an advocate for change in recent years, an opinion he still holds despite Wales' woes this year.

Georgia defeated Wales 13-12 in a 2022 autumn international, a fact they highlighted by including their post-match celebrations in a tweet calling for Wales to play the game. Though Wales did win October's Rugby World Cup clash 43-19.

🏆 Following widespread debate across the rugby world after the conclusion of the @sixnationsrugby and @rugby_europe championships, @GeorgianRugby is inviting @welshrugbyunion to play an autumn international test-match. pic.twitter.com/tdbHFQJDQd
— Georgian Rugby (@GeorgianRugby) March 22, 2024

"It’s my great pleasure to invite our dear friends from Wales to play Georgia in Tbilisi this autumn,” said Georgian Rugby Union president Ioseb Tkemaladze.

"After a thrilling Six Nations and Georgia’s seventh success in a row in the Rugby Europe Championship, it’s the fixture rugby fans everywhere are crying out, for so I really hope the Welsh can take up our invitation.

"Of course we’d be equally happy to play them in Cardiff – where we won a famous victory in 2022. Maybe a double-header can be arranged. There is a strong connection between our two proud rugby nations, and we have had some exciting contests recently. We are rugby brothers.

"As the great former Wales and British Lions captain Sam Warburton said this week, it’s what rugby lovers everywhere want to see!

"It would be my honour to host Wales in Tbilisi. I’m confident we would get a record crowd and I would be especially proud to invite Welsh supporters to come and experience our unique Georgian hospitality.”