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As rugby’s leading brands the All Blacks and Wallabies looked to the far east for new markets, the Georgian Lelos focus on the near east with an eye on making a name for themselves.
After successfully staging a European Nations Cup match against bitter rivals Russia in Turkey, it has emerged that Georgia could use the country as a base for further games.
Tests against Russia were played on neutral ground in 2009 (Ukraine) and 2010 due to the conflict over breakaway region South Ossetia. While the setting for last year’s clash was Trabzon, a provincial capital on the Black Sea near the Georgian border, iconic Istanbul and its Bosphorus could be the site of future Georgia internationals.
Though Georgia’s fortunes on the field have grown with wins over the USA and Canada, and demand for Georgian players increasing in France, the nation’s distance from Western Europe and modest economy are seen as impeding their ascent to rugby’s top tier. Turkey’s economic prowess provides the upstarts with an important bargaining chip in a sport sometimes criticised for looking after its established order.
This comes at a time of strengthening links between the neighbouring countries. A break in relations with Russia has seen Turkey become Georgia’s principal trading partner, though it’s not just a marriage of convenience.
Georgian descendents in Turkey, called “Chveneburi”, are over a million strong by some estimates, with many prominent in sport and politics.
Even the Turkish Prime Minister is said to have Georgian blood. Istanbul’s historical Georgian community has been replenished by a new generation of expatriates, attracted by the city’s work opportunities. Organisers hope that in addition to fans making the short flight from Tbilisi, the local community will lend support.
While rugby’s popularity has exploded in Georgia in recent years, it is still a curious foreign pursuit to many Turks. This is changing, with an international sevens tournament having recently been established in Istanbul and the new Turkish Rugby Federation working toward IRB affiliation.
Rugby’s Olympic return has opened pathways to government funding and Turkey plan to enter a team in 2016 qualifiers.
Negotiations between the Georgian Rugby Union and organisers are ongoing. If an agreement is reached on time, a test could come to Istanbul as soon as summer 2012, with Bestikas’ Inonu Stadium the preferred venue.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.