In the dynamic world of rugby 7s, where ambition often outpaces resources, Georgia`s national team finds itself at a pivotal juncture. This week, the Georgian Rugby Union confirmed the departure of **Head Coach Besik Khamashuridze** and **Assistant Coach Gia Labadze** from their respective roles within the national rugby 7s program.
A Three-Year Sprint for Glory
Khamashuridze and Labadze took the reins of the `Lelos Sevens` in 2021, embarking on a mission to elevate Georgian rugby`s presence on the global stage. Their primary objective, as is common for many aspiring nations, was to secure qualification for the highly competitive **World Rugby Sevens Series** and, ultimately, the pinnacle of the sport: the **Olympic Games**.
Under their stewardship, the Georgian side participated in key qualification tournaments, notably contesting berths for both the 2024 and 2025 World Series. These campaigns, while offering valuable experience and glimpses of potential, ultimately did not yield the desired breakthroughs.
Reflections from the Sideline
Gia Labadze, in a statement reflecting on their tenure, extended his gratitude to the Rugby Union for the opportunity provided. His words offer a candid insight into the challenges and aspirations that defined their time with the team:
“A huge thank you to the Rugby Union for the trust and the opportunity given. I believe we showed everyone that we can achieve success in Rugby 7s. Unfortunately, we were unable to achieve our goal – to qualify for the Olympics and the World Series, but we still believe that we have the potential for this, and we wish success to our Rugby 7s. We believe that Georgian Rugby 7s will cope with this task, and if it happens without us, we see no problem in that.”
It`s a remarkably gracious sentiment from individuals who, despite their dedicated efforts, couldn`t quite lead the team to the summit of international 7s. Or, perhaps, a pragmatic acknowledgment that the climb is exceptionally steep, and sometimes, a fresh perspective is simply part of the developmental cycle. Their belief in the team`s underlying potential, even as they step away, speaks volumes about their commitment to the sport in Georgia.
The Road Ahead for Georgian Rugby 7s
The departure of Khamashuridze and Labadze marks the close of a significant chapter for Georgian Rugby 7s. While the immediate objective of global series and Olympic qualification remained elusive, their period at the helm undoubtedly contributed to the team`s growth and competitive experience.
The challenge now falls to new leadership to harness the foundation laid and to ignite the spark that will finally propel Georgia onto the world`s most elite 7s stages. The Olympic dream, for Georgia, remains just that – a dream – for now. But in rugby, as in life, the journey often matters as much as the destination, and the relentless quest for glory continues, albeit with a new compass in hand.
Gareth Pendleton