Based on the joint endorsement by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili awarded Orders of Honor and Honor Medals to the national rugby team members, coaches, and personnel, and the Rugby Union’s leadership, the Government Administration reported.

Georgia’s state awards were granted to the rugby players for their exceptional athletic achievements, namely for claiming historic victories in the 2022 matches against the national rugby teams of Italy and Wales.

The Head of Government congratulated the rugby players on receiving the state awards and their victory in the 2025 Rugby Europe Championship’s final.

“For us Georgians rugby is a special game, and we have exceptional love for this sport. I personally hold a special attitude toward rugby, based on my family’s experience, among others. Rugby has been on the rise since the 1970s, and we have achieved major successes.

“I am confident that, in the years ahead, Georgian rugby will achieve more major successes. We are in anticipation of the Word Cup, a major tournament to be held in two years from now, and that is where we need an equally groundbreaking success, such as succeeding at the group stage and then in the knockout phase. And I am convinced that, in the years ahead, you will achieve great successes. You are very worthy representatives of a very worthy generation continuously working toward rugby’s development, and I want to wish you major successes in the future as well,” Irakli Kobakhidze said.

President of the Rugby Union Soso Tkemaladze thanked Georgia’s authorities for supporting rugby’s development. The awards ceremony was attended by the Members of the Cabinet of Ministers.