Rugby in Georgia - The Mighty Lelos: Georgia's Rugby Warriors with a Twist
Perhaps you have ever wondered what would happen if a bear went to wrestle with a tank, and after that they both decided to play rugby games? Well, look no further than the Georgia national rugby team. This Rugby in Georgia - fans call them The Lelos or The Borjgalosnebi (which we believe means “We Break Everything in Our Path”) - but these men do not just play rugby; they triumph over it.
In the Rugby Europe Championship and at the Rugby World Cup, Georgia was represented by the Lelos who won trophies like it was maxing out on extreme sports purchases. They have won 12 editions of the Rugby Europe Championship which is probably why their trophy cabinet has its own postal address.
Georgia is one of the fastest growing rugby nations in the world, partly because they feed their players on khachapuri and fierce determination. This involves chasing mountain goats up cliffs as part of training as well as lifting khinkali dumplings as weights. I mean seriously these guys could take down a tank and it would say ‘I’m sorry’!
Away from the pitch however, there are allegations that lelos are hospitable and friendly people. It is possible that after crushing an opponent into dirt they can invite him for a feast alongside wrestling with bears kept as pets. What can be more significant about these?
So next time you watch The Lelos playing, please remember that there’s much more going on than just another game; it’s another indication of why Georgia is rapidly becoming a rugby superpower. And if you ever find yourself on the field with them, just remember - its nothing personal; they’re just being Georgian!
Now at Grata DMC Georgia - we offer a training option with the team!
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