Tbilisi Cup to provide tough competition ahead of RWC 2015

The four teams will meet at the Avchala Stadium in Tbilisi, with the round-robin competition played across three match days – 13, 17 and 21 June – in the Georgian capital.

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The Tbilisi Cup, which is funded by World Rugby, plays a very important high-performance role for participating nations and for the ongoing growth of rugby in Georgia. With Rugby World Cup 2015 rapidly approaching, the tournament will give teams and coaches exposure to a competitive test schedule.

World Rugby Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: “Hosting the Tbilisi Cup this year will give Georgia a good opportunity to test their progress against tough international opposition in Uruguay, Emerging Ireland and Emerging Italy.

“Both the hosts and Uruguay are at a crucial stage in finalising their playing squads and these matches will provide a stern test going into Rugby World Cup 2015.

“Players on the fringes of the Irish and Italian squad now have a chance to put their hands up for selection and travel to England in September where they can showcase their skills on the biggest stage of them all.”

President of the Georgian Rugby Union, George Nijaradze, said: “This will be our third time to host the Tbilisi Cup, which is a very important tournament for us. It gives us the opportunity to check our national team’s level and to compete against very good sides.

“I am sure that the fans here in Tbilisi will have the chance to witness some really great matches and the tournament helps us to promote and grow the game in Georgia.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank World Rugby for this wonderful opportunity. We will do everything we can so that the participating teams and fans will remember the tournament not only for tough and exciting matches, but also for the traditional Georgian hospitality and culture.”

World Rugby Tbilisi Cup 2015 fixtures: (all times are local)

Saturday, 13 June

17:00 – Emerging Italy v Emerging Ireland
19:00 – Georgia v Uruguay

Wednesday, 17 June

17:00 – Uruguay v Emerging Ireland
19:00 – Georgia v Emerging Italy

Sunday, 21 June

17:00 – Uruguay v Emerging Italy
19:00 – Georgia v Emerging Ireland