"The Lelos" competed in U-19 European Rugby Championship 2010 which was held in the capital of Belgium, Brussels. Georgian team won all matches with big advantage and gained gold medals.
After beating Portugal (27:3) and Romania (29:3), Georgian team played against Russian rugby players in the final and won over them 38:7.
It is worth mentioning, that besides of winning European Championship, Georgian rugby players won a right to participate in U-20 World Rugby Championship which will be hosted by the USA in 2011.
Giorgi Chkoidze, captain of the team, was one of the best players of U-19 Georgian team. He is playing with number 8.
Here is an interview with Giorgi Chkoidze.
- Did you expect that you would win European Championship with such a big advantage?
- We arrived in Brussels to win gold medals but I did not think, that we would win over the opponents with such a big advantage. We played against these teams before and we expected more resistance from them.
- Last year you were beat by this Russian team 17:18. What was the reason of this loss? First you were winning 17:0.
- Inexperience was the reason of the loss. Now we proved that we could play against stronger opponents.
- Are you going to win World Championship?
- We are always playing for victory. Of course, World Championship will not be exception. Future will show everything.
- You dedicated your victory to those heroes who died in Russian-Georgian war in 2008...
- Georgian boys sacrificed themselves in the war against Russia. Rugby match between Russia and Georgia was like a war. Before the match, members of the team swore that we must win this match and dedicate it to those heroes who died in the war.
- Tell us briefly about yourself.
- I was born on May 17, 1991. My father is Gia Chkoidze, mother - Iamze Mskhiladze, brother - Irakli and sister - Inga. I am studying at Georgian National University. I am on the second course of the faculty of Business Organization and Management. I am U-19 European champion, winner of Black Sea and Georgian Cups. I am playing for Georgian champion "Lelo".
- How long have you been training in rugby?
- I was 13 years old when I started playing for "Lelo".
- Do you like other sports except rugby?
- I like sport so much that if I have free time I watch all kinds of sports.
- If you like all kinds of sports why did you choose rugby?
- I studied at Tbilisi public school No.169. My friend Sandro Koiava advised me to start training.
- Rugby is full of injuries. How did your parents accept your decision?
- My father wanted me to become a football player. Then he got used to my decision and now he is the biggest fan of mine.
- Who advised you to study at the faculty of Business Organization and Management?
- This was my parents' decision.
- Who is your favorite rugby player?
- Number 8 of Georgian national team Mamuka Gorgodze.
- Which country do you support among teams?
- After Georgian national team I support South Africa.
- On November 14, "Lelo" will have to defend the title of the champion. "Lokomotive" will be your opponent in a decisive match. How do you estimate chances of "Lelo" and "Lokomotive"?
- We won over "Lokomotive" once before the final but our chances are 50/50. It is final and nothing is excluded.
- What can you say about your future plans?
- I want to play for the national team and to continue club career in one of the best French clubs.
- Besides rugby, you are studying. Which profession will you devote to after leaving active sport?
- While I am able to play I cannot give up rugby.


Roland Labuchidze