Georgia officially challenge Wales to Six Nations play-off match
02/19/2025 08:26 AM
Georgia's rugby bosses are demanding a shot at joining the Six Nations – and they're using Wales' recent struggles (and a sacked Warren Gatland) to fuel their campaign.
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After finishing bottom of the 2024 Six Nations without a win, Wales are already tipped for more misery in 2025. Their disastrous form has already cost Gatland his job, leaving Welsh rugby in crisis mode. Meanwhile, Georgia are riding high, sitting 11th in the world rankings – one spot above the struggling Welsh side.
"Rising to 11th place in the rankings is a big step forward for us," Georgian Rugby president Soso Tkemaladze told Mail Sport.
"But the fact we are now ahead of Wales gives us even more hope our voice will be heard at the door we are knocking on."
The Cardiff shock still stings
Georgia famously stunned Wales with a 13-12 win in Cardiff back in 2022 – a result that still echoes through both camps. Tkemaladze isn't done making noise and has extended a bold invitation.
"If they visit Georgia, we will have another opportunity to prove ourselves," he said.
"Consider this statement of mine as an invitation for Wales to play a Test in Georgia."
Wales in turmoil—Georgia smelling blood
With Gatland gone and no clear direction, Wales are in free fall. Georgia see this as the perfect time to push their case for a seat at rugby's most exclusive table.
They're calling for an annual play-off between the team that finishes last in the Six Nations and the Rugby Europe Championship winner – a format that could finally give them a pathway into the competition.
Tkemaladze is clear: rugby's future depends on growth.
"If rugby does not grow, its competitiveness will decline," he warned.
Will the Six Nations listen?
Despite Georgia's plea, a Six Nations play-off remains a long shot. Any change to the Championship's structure would need unanimous approval – and the current six unions are unlikely to risk their place at the table.
For now, Georgia keep knocking—louder than ever.
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UPDATED: Foreign-born players in the 2025 Six Nations
The following breakdown, based on data compiled by Americas Rugby News, examines the composition of various national teams, shedding light on the number of foreign-born players and how they qualify for their respective squads.
This international blend underlines rugby's global nature, with some nations leaning on overseas-born talent more than others. Ahead of round two, we’ve broken down the squads – and Scotland lead the way by a mile when it comes to foreign-born players.
ENGLAND
HOMEGROWN PLAYERS: 39/41 (95.2%)
FOREIGN-BORN PLAYERS: 3/41 (7.3%)
- Bevan Rodd (Scotland) – Parent
- Chandler Cunningham-South (England) – Born in England
- Harry Randall (England) – Born in England
- Marcus Smith (Philippines) – Parent
- Tom Roebuck (Scotland) – Parent
FRANCE
HOMEGROWN PLAYERS: 39/42 (92.8%)
FOREIGN-BORN PLAYERS: 6/42 (14.2%)
- Dany Priso (Cameroon) – Residency (2008)
- Uini Atonio (New Zealand) – Residency (2014)
- Giorgi Beria (Georgia) – Residency (2002)
- Joshua Brennan (Ireland) – Residency (2005)
- Emmanuel Meafou (New Zealand) – Residency (2023)
- Émilien Gailleton (England) – Parent
IRELAND
HOMEGROWN PLAYERS: 30/36 (83.3%)
FOREIGN-BORN PLAYERS: 9/36 (25%)
- Rob Herring (South Africa) – Grandparent
- Finlay Bealham (Australia) – Grandparent
- Cormac Izuchukwu (England) – Parent
- Joe McCarthy (USA) – Parent
- Jamison Ratu Gibson-Park (New Zealand) – Residency (2020)
- Bundee Aki (New Zealand) – Residency (2017)
- Ciarán Frawley (Australia) – Parent
- Mack Hansen (Australia) – Parent
- James Lowe (New Zealand) – Residency (2020)
CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO
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