This morning Welsh rugby was treated to a WWE-style call out by the Europe Rugby Championship winners, Georgia, in a bold social media post. The Six Nations wooden spoon holders have been officially challenged by the second-tier champions in a display of sheer audacity and determination, setting the stage for a potential clash that promises to be both thrilling and fiercely contested.
Georgia Rugby wrote on X (Formerly Twitter): “Following widespread debate across the rugby world after the conclusion of the Six Nations and the Rugby Europe Championships, Georgia Rugby is inviting Wales to play an autumn international test-match.
“There is a wonderful bond between the players and supporters of our two proud rugby nations and we have had some great competitive matches. It’s our honour to invite Wales to Tbilisi – and to play a return game in Cardiff whenever is convenient.
“As Sam Warburton said, it’s what rugby lovers everywhere want to see!
“So, let’s make it happen. In Georgia, we like to say that ‘A guest is a gift’. We can think of no better gift than to host the Welsh in Tbilisi this autumn.”
🏆 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
Fans have been debating hard this potential match up, which adds fuel to the already fiery conversation regarding promotion and relegation between the two championships.
One fan ‘Liz’ was thrilled, saying: “I think that’s a terrific idea!!”. Whilst another fan joked: “A poor tier 2 team, struggled in the world cup, no domestic game, a massive lack of cohesion. Lack of support… Against georgia?”
Not everyone has been pleased with the call out, however, with one fan suggesting that the match has been designed as a “humiliation” and with no real upsides, claiming: “Terrible decision. You’ve gone out of your way to embarrass Wales, only to play a game that, if it goes as expected, will only serve to solidify the lack of a promotion/relegation scheme. There is a world of difference between tier one and two rugby.”
Another person added: “Taking a cheap shot against a historic rugby nation going through a transition is exactly why you’ll never be a tier 1 nation. You called out struggling Italian and Scottish sides over the years and got destroyed when you played.”
One user has put forward an extended tier-one proposition, suggesting 8 teams be included in what the top tier competition, saying: “I think Georgia has earned the right to be in the six nations, maybe add in Portugal as well, just you’d have 8 teams?”
NANTES, FRANCE – OCTOBER 07: Mason Grady of Wales leaves the field as the players of Georgia give the players of Wales a guard of honour at full-time followingthe Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between Wales and Georgia at Stade de la Beaujoire on October 07, 2023 in Nantes, France. (Photo by Pauline Ballet – World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)
In an interview with RugbyPass following their recent victory over Portugal, Georgia coach Richard Cockerill raised doubts about his team’s ability to compete in the Six Nations. He suggested that facing challenges like this against Wales is the optimal method to gauge their current standing.
“There was a real edge because Portugal were a team that were definitely good enough to beat us and probably should have beaten us in the World Cup,” the former England assistant coach said.
“With respect to all the other teams we are probably too good for this tournament and at the moment maybe we’re not quite good enough to be dining at the same table as the Super Rugby teams or the (UR) Championship teams or the Six Nations.
“There’s a real balance there where we just need to try, the politicians above me will decide where is best for us to play moving forward at some point. The thing we have got to do is just keep improving and playing a good brand of rugby and being as successful as we can.”
Time will tell whether Wales will accept the challenge.
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