The Georgia national rugby union team nicknamed The Lelos or Men of Borjgali represents Georgia in international rugby union. Rugby union in Georgia is administered by the Georgian Rugby Union. The team takes part in the annual European Nations Championship and participates in the Rugby World Cup, which takes place every four years. Georgia is currently considered a second tier rugby union nation and is one of the world’s fastest growing rugby nations. The Lelos participate in the European Nations Cup, winning the tournament in 2001, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012 and 2013 seasons. The bulk of the national squad are based in France, in both the Top 14 and lower divisions. This is a practice that was popularized by former national team coach, Claude Saurel, a Frenchman, who later coached neighbouring rivals Russia. Rugby union is one of the most popular sports in Georgia. The full national team qualified for the 2003 Rugby World Cup – playing against rugby powers such as Ireland and France. The Lelos also qualified for the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France, where they beat Namibia 30-0 for their first ever World Cup win. As of 25 November 2013, Georgia are ranked 15th in the world by the IRB. Since 2013, Georgia has played host to the IRB Tbilisi Cup. The Georgian national sevens team became the first national side from Georgia to compete in a major tournament, playing in the International Rugby Board (IRB) Sevens World Cup in Argentina. Georgia also has a Georgia A national rugby union team.
