Georgia Rugby World Cup 2011 Europe 1 winners

Georgia beat neighbours Russia 36-8 to not only retain the European Nations Cup crown but also confirm themselves as the Europe 1 qualifier for Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand. This puts them into their third World Cup final and they have progressed with just one loss against Romania.

Before Perestroika, Georgia was in fact part of the USSR Rugby setup, they received full IRB member status in 1992 and are now ranked 16th in the world.

Georgia's Power 8 In Pool 'B'

Georgia's strength is in their front 8, many of the pack ply their trade in the higher leagues of European club rugby. They will hope to emulate their results in France having won one of their pool games in 2007, beating Namibia 30-0. Georgia will be grouped with Argentina, England, the play-off winner and Scotland who they meet in Dunedin on 14 September 2011 in Pool B.

Georgia News

Georgia Europe 1 Russia 2 - Georgia beat Russia 36-8 to claim the European Nations Cup and in the process take the Europe One spot for Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand, putting them in pool B with Argentina, England and Scotland

Georgia team versus France - Georgia head coach Malkhaz Cheishvili has announced his team to play France in the IRB Rugby World Cup Pool D match at Stade Velodrome on Sunday 30 September with a 1400 BST KO

France name Betsen as captain versus Georgia - Coach Bernard Laporte has made nine changes to his French side for the final Pool D encounter with Georgia in the Stade Vélodrome, Marseille on Sunday 30 September with a 1400 BST KO

Lensing back to skipper Namibia versus Georgia - Namibia meet Georgia in the Stade Felix Bollaert, Lens Wednesday, 26 September Kick-off: 1700 BST

Irakli Abuseridze skipper for Georgia versus Namibia - Georgia meet Namibia in the Stade Felix Bollaert, Lens Wednesday, 26 September Kick-off: 1700 BST