The Men’s Rugby Europe Championship 2026 is just a weeks shy from starting, and to get us in the mood we invited a few players from each of the eight contestants to share their views, opinions and emotions about their team and country.
For the Lelos army we have the sensational scrum half Vasil Lobzhanidze and the relentless loose forward Beka Saginadze!
Beka and Vasil, thank you for joining us! So, can you tell us what it means to be able to call yourselves Lelos? Is it the highest honour of your life?
Vasil Lobzhanidze. “First of all, of course, it’s a huge honour to play for the Lelos (the Georgian national rugby team). We have great respect for the jersey we wear - every match, every second means a lot when you’re wearing it. It carries deep significance for all of us. For every rugby player, it’s a dream to represent Georgia. Once you get that opportunity, you do everything you can never to let go of that jersey and to give absolutely everything on the field.”
Beka Saginadze. “To be a Lelos is a childhood dream that I fulfilled. Being a Lelos means to represent your small country internationally and make your family and people proud.”
Your story with the Lelos starts way before your first cap, right? When did you first watch the team play?
BS. “First Lelos game that I watched as a fan was Georgia vs Argentina when I was 12 years old. It was in 2011, and it was a great game.”
VL. “My first rugby memory as a fan was watching Georgia vs Namibia in the 2007, Rugby World Cup. I was 11 years old at the time, and from that moment, I decided that I wanted to play rugby myself.”
Now, let’s go to the first game and your first memory as a Lelos senior player. When was it? And how did it go?
VL. “My debut came on February 7, 2015, against Germany. I was extremely happy, of course, but also very nervous before the game since I was only 18 and didn’t have much experience back then. Playing at such a professional level, especially representing Georgia, comes with great responsibility, and I was incredibly proud.”
BS. “My debut was 7 years ago on February 9, 2019 against Romania at the Cluj Arena. I was anxious and eager at the same time. I haven't slept all night before the game.”
VL. “Probably my most memorable match was against Tonga at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, but also playing against New Zealand that same year was unforgettable. They became world champions, and going up against players like Dan Carter, Savea, and others - guys I used to watch on TV and play as in video games - that was something truly special. Unforgettable games were against Tonga, New Zealand, and also Italy, when we beat them in 2022.”
The Lelos supporters have played a huge factor in some of your wins, but can you name the game that you enjoyed the most with their support?
VL. “I think our biggest joy came from that victory over Italy in Batumi. The atmosphere, the energy from our supporters - that day was simply incredible.”
BS. “July 10, 2022 the game when we first defeated Italy in the history. I have never had the same feeling neither before nor after. It should me mentioned that Georgian supporters played huge role in the victory of this match.”
Now, what about your best teammate? Do you have one or is it the whole team?
VL. “When it comes to the national team environment, I can’t really name one best friend, because our team is so close. Everyone gets along with everyone really well, and that unity is one of our biggest strengths.”
BS. “My best teammate in the national team camps is my childhood friend Akaki Tabutsadze.”
And what about opposition players? Is there any player that you enjoy competing against?
BS. “I enjoy playing against Samuel Marques, scrum half of the Portugal national team, and Raffaele Storti Outside back of Portugal.”
VL. “I’d mention Rodrigo Marta - he’s a very talented young player with a bright future - and Francisco Pinto, also from Portugal. One wears number 13, the other number 14, and they have excellent chemistry on the field. It’s both challenging and enjoyable to play against them.”
As we are talking about rivals, who do you think is the Lelos main rival?
BS. “In my opinion, Portugal is the biggest rival of Lelos in the Men's Rugby Europe Championship, because of the fact that, in recent years, the score has ended in a draw twice.”
VL. “Our toughest opponent in the Rugby Europe Championship will probably be Portugal. They’ve made huge progress recently, have great players, and I think they’ll be the team to beat in the race for the title.”
What do you think about the Men’s Rugby Europe Championship? Do you enjoy playing in it and fighting for the right to be called the champions?
VL. “As for the Rugby Europe Championship itself, it’s a good competition. The system has changed in the past two or three years - they’ve added more teams and are giving lower-division nations the chance to develop, play against strong opponents, and grow the sport.”
BS. “Of course, it is always important to celebrate victory with Lelos, and we count years of being dominant in the championship. However, for team development i wish to play against bigger teams.”
We are just a few questions from the end, so we have to ask: are there any special traditions in the Lelos camp?
VL. “We don’t have strict pre-game traditions - everyone prepares in their own way. But as a team, before the match, we always say the prayer together, and then we go out to play.”
BS. “Nothing special, we like to spend time together and play board games.”
As the Men’s Rugby Europe Championship 2026 is about to start, can you help a travelling fan by suggesting a main dish and a dessert that they have to try if they come to Tbilisi?
BS. “I can't choose one, but it is a must to try Khinkali, Khatchapuri and Mtsvadi. You will love all of them!”
VL. “If you ever visit Georgia, you must try khinkali, mtsvadi, and of course, our famous Georgian feast. And for dessert - definitely have some churchkhela! It is made of flour, sugar and badagi, which is concentrated fresh grape juice.”
Before we say our goodbyes, can you reveal to us what Georgia means to you?
BS. “For me, my country, Georgia, is a pride in one word. The country which has endured many hardships. The country of real warriors. And it is the place which I prefer to any place in the world.”
VL. “What does Georgia mean to me? Everything. Whatever we do - in every way we can - we do it for our country. We always strive to represent Georgia with pride beyond our borders and make our homeland proud.”
The reigning champions will start their Men’s Rugby Europe Championship 2026 campaign in Switzerland, facing the local team on February 7th, and you can purchase the tickets on the official website and watch the game live on Imedi and RugbyTV in Georgia and on Rugby Europe TV from abroad.
By Francisco Isaac
