Georgian side Black Lion to play in European Challenge Cup

Black Lion will turn out to be the primary Georgian facet to play within the European Problem Cup after being named as certainly one of two sides to be invited to participate within the competitors by organisers EPCR.

The opposite staff turning out within the second-tier European competitors will likely be South Africa’s Cheetahs, the latest winners of this yr’s Currie Cup, who return to the competitors after participating in 2022-23.

Black Lion, the back-to-back winners of the Rugby Europe Tremendous Cup, will likely be in a pool alongside High 14 sides Clermont and Castres in addition to Premiership outfit Gloucester and the URC’s Scarlets. They are going to play their dwelling video games within the Georgian capital Tbilisi.

Ioseb (Soso) Tkemaladze, President of Georgian Rugby, stated: “It is a vastly necessary second for Georgian rugby. We’ve all been working onerous for this – on the pitch and behind the scenes – for a few years.

Learn extra: Montpellier win Challenge Cup with stunning second-half score

“Having received the Rugby Europe Tremendous Cup two years working Black Lion are able to step as much as this new problem and compete in opposition to the very best from France, England and the URC.

“Every time Georgian rugby gamers get the chance to check themselves in opposition to elite opposition they rise to the event. The proof is there within the outcomes of our nationwide staff, our Beneath 20s – who’ve carried out so brilliantly on the World Championships, and the Black Lion. The nationwide staff demonstrated its progress final yr with victories over Italy and Wales and this breakthrough second for Georgian rugby, is a major step for the way forward for rugby basically.

“We’re grateful to EPCR for taking a lead and exhibiting the imaginative and prescient that’s wanted to additional the worldwide improvement and development of the sport. My private gratitude to Dom McKay and his wonderful staff for all of their onerous work and assist.”

Associated: European Challenge Cup fixtures

Response to Georgian facet Black Lion being in Problem Cup

EPCR Chairman, Dominic McKay, added: “The inclusion of Black Lion and the return of the Toyota Cheetahs mirror a seamless dedication to widen the scope of our tournaments and to showcase new, thrilling expertise for followers worldwide. The Toyota Cheetahs have already enhanced the EPCR Problem Cup with their efficiency final season, and we’re assured that the Georgians’ ardour and physicality will additional elevate the depth of the event.”

Toyota Cheetahs Chief Government, Ross van Reenen, stated: “We’re happy to have been invited to compete once more within the EPCR Problem Cup and after qualifying for the knockout stage final season, we consider we now have the capability to carry out to the next degree in 2023/24. We’re wanting ahead to creating a giant impression in Pool 1 of the event.”

One facet to overlook out on being picked to take part had been Israel’s first skilled membership Tel Aviv Warmth who EPCR stated produced an “a powerful utility and have been performing strongly within the Rugby Europe Tremendous Cup”.

Obtain the digital version of Rugby World straight to your pill or subscribe to the print version to get the journal delivered to your door.

Comply with Rugby World on Fb, Instagram and Twitter.