Georgia begin World Rugby-backed talks for their domestic side Black Lion to join the United Rugby Championship as they continue to call for future Six Nations expansion

Georgia have begun negotiations with the backing of World Rugby for their domestic side Black Lion to join the United Rugby Championship as they continue to grow frustrated by the fact their Test side is being cut out from the top of the international game. 

The Lelos, now coached by former England and Leicester hooker Richard Cockerill, have long-held aspirations to join the Six Nations. 

They do not want to replace one of the six current competing countries, but form part of an expanded tournament. 

For now, however, that looks unlikely despite the fact Georgia sit above Wales in World Rugby’s official rankings. 

That is why they have shifted their focus to the domestic level. Talks have begun with a view to Black Lion becoming a member of the URC – a league competition currently made up of teams from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Italy and South Africa. 

‘We have decided to withdraw from the Rugby Europe Super Cup,’ Georgia high performance director and former coach Levan Maisashvili told Mail Sport of the future plan for Black Lion. 

‘We now have the opportunity to start negotiations for inclusion in the URC. This is one of our biggest strategic goals and we have full support from World Rugby in this regard. 

‘Inclusion in the URC would be a huge step for Georgian rugby, especially considering the circumstances we will face starting in 2026. 

‘From that point on, we will effectively lose the opportunity to play tier-one nations at international level before Rugby World Cups.’ 

Cockerill and Georgia need more Test matches against tier-one countries to develop. 

But they are not getting that currently in Rugby Europe which is the competition below the Six Nations and one Georgia has won 17 times. 

Black Lion have played in European club rugby’s second tier competition the Challenge Cup since 2023. 

‘Black Lion is the only way for Georgian Rugby to develop,’ said their president Soso Tkemaladze. 

‘The Challenge Cup has given us a lot of experience over the last two years. We are looking for a new tournament. 

‘We have ongoing negotiations with the URC and though we are at the beginning of the road, we have high expectations the development of Black Lion will continue in this direction.’ 

In the last five years, Georgia have beaten Wales, Italy and Japan. 

Their Under-20 side has also downed England. 

‘A great new generation is coming,’ said Tkemaladze. 

Georgia’s Under-18 side do play in the Six Nations. But with no sign of immediate Under-20 or senior inclusion and Georgia missing out on a place in the new Nations Championship competition which will begin in 2026, they are in a tricky position. 

Maisashvili said: ‘I want to make my position clear. We have never wanted to take anyone’s place in the Six Nations. Entering at the expense of another team being removed has never been our goal. This tournament has a rich history and the participating countries deserve nothing but respect. We believe if any of these nations face difficulties at a certain stage, it should not be a reason to consider replacing them.

‘We have shown the world we can not only compete with top nations but also defeat them. We want the opportunity to play against them regularly. No one doubts our competitiveness anymore. From 2022 to 2024 we had three historical wins against tier-one countries: Italy, Wales and Japan.

‘If you look at our home matches, we organise everything at the highest level. Furthermore, Georgia is a beautiful country with a rich history, a strong wine culture and delicious cuisine. That’s why we strive to have the chance to play regularly against top teams, bring joy to our fans and showcase our renowned hospitality to the Six Nations supporters.’

Former Welsh referee Nigel Owens has said he can see no reason why Wales should be replaced by Georgia in the Six Nations despite their current struggles.  

‘Looking at history, the Six Nations has evolved over time, expanding in 2000,’ said Maisashvili. 

‘Perhaps it is time to consider a seven or eight-team format. I emphasise that we see our future in expansion, not in replacing anyone. I understand Nigel’s reaction. I wouldn’t be pleased either if someone suggested replacing my team. 

‘I repeat, we respect the teams and traditions of this tournament and are not trying to enter at someone else’s expense. We are always ready to host any team in Georgia with dignity and play high-level rugby.’

Tkemaladze said: ‘For the future of Georgian rugby, the picture was significantly complicated by the new tournament initiated by World Rugby from 2026. 

‘It means we will not be able to play against tier-one teams for a long time which we find hard to comprehend. This will be detrimental for us. 

‘Therefore, the role of the Black Lion is even more important for the development of Georgian Rugby. 

‘In no case is Georgia in favour of any of the Six Nations countries dropping out. On the contrary, we would be keen to see it expand and make rugby global. 

‘We need to have the opportunity to play games of such a level. The entire Georgian nation yearns for this and we are working very hard to achieve this goal. 

‘The time is approaching when we will all agree that expanding this tournament would be the best decision for everyone. Let us take decisions that are beneficial to all parties, both commercially and from a sporting perspective.’  

Tkemaladze’s offer for Georgia to play Wales in Tbilisi this summer in a game that would essentially be a de-facto Six Nations promotion and relegation clash has fallen on deaf ears. 

‘So far, Wales have not responded to our invitation,’ Tkemaladze said. ‘They are not in their best shape these days. Our invitation is valid to this day. I wish them success in getting back to their strongest.’ 

Maisashvili added: ‘Our recent achievements have proven we belong on the world stage and now is the time to solidify our place among rugby’s elite. 

‘We are not seeking shortcuts or special treatment. We are ready to earn our place through hard work, commitment and passion. We believe in expansion, in growing the game and in proving ourselves through action rather than words. 

‘Our vision is to bring world-class rugby to Georgia, to give our players the opportunities they deserve, and to showcase the beauty of our sport to new audiences. 

‘We stand ready to embrace the challenges ahead and to take Georgian rugby to new heights.’