Georgia name training squad for June Tests
Georgia head coach Milton Haig has named a 36-man training squad ahead of next month's tour of the Americas.
The Lelos will go on a three-Test tour and will face Canada, the USA and Argentina on successive weekends.
Haig was aiming to have an even stronger squad, but the following Georgian internationals could not join the team due to injuries: David Kubriashvili, Giorgi Tetrashvili, Vakhtang Maisuradze, Beka Gorgadze, Badri Liparteliani, Anzor Sichinava and Irakli Svanidze.
As part of World Rugby Rregulation 9, the team will assemble at the Shevardeny Stadium in Tblisi from May 29 to 31, with the final 33-man touring squad announcement scheduled for June 1.
"The summer Test matches are once again a very important period for us as an organisation," said Haig.
"Like last year's tour to the Pacific Islands, we have an opportunity to create another 'chapter' of history as a group.
"This training squad is packed with experience and also some newer players who we think will add enthusiasm and energy. It's exciting for the coaches to be working with a quality squad and we look forward to the players being here in Georgia over the next two weeks."
The Lelos have three very important matches against quality opposition this June, and will need to cover large distances as the team will depart for the tour on June 3 heading towards Canada first, in Calgary on June 10.
Georgia then travel to Atlanta where they play against the USA Eagles on June 17.
The Lelos will then head down south to Argentina where they face los Pumas on June 24.
"All Test matches are going to be very tough and with USA winning the ARC Championship recently, they in particular will have lots of confidence and self belief leading into this campaign," added Haig.
"Canada have always competed well at Test level and we all know the challenges a team like Argentina will bring at us and it's exciting to be playing a 2015 Rugby World Cup semi finalist."
Georgia training squad for June Tests:
Forwards: Anton Peikrishvili (Cardiff Blues), Tornike Mataradze (Lyon), Mikheil Nariashvili (Montpelier), Jaba Bregvadze (Worcester Warriors), Shalva Mamukashvili (Toulon), Badri Alkhazashvili (Toulon), Soso Bekoshvili (Brive), Irakli Mirtskhulava (Oyonax), Karlen Asieshvili (Brive), Levan Chilachava (Toulon), Giorgi Chkhaidze (Domon), Kote Mikautadze (Montpelier), Giorgi Nemsadze (Bristol), Nodar Cheishvili (Lelo Saracens), Otar Giorgadze (Clermont), Beka Bitsadze (Chanbery), Mikheil Gachechiladze (Enisei), Giorgi Tkhilaishvili (Batumi), Lasha Lomidze (London Irish), Vito Kolelishvili (Clermont), Giorgi Tsitskiridze (Brive)
Backs: Vasil Lobzhanidze (Brive), Giorgi Begadze (Kochebi), Vazha Khutsishvili (Locomotive), Lasha Malaghiradze (Krasny Yar), Lasha Khmaladze (Lelos Saracens), Rezi Jinchvelashvili (Bagrati), David Kacharava (Enisei), Tamaz Mchedlidze (Agen), Merab Sharikadze (Aurillac), Giorgi Koshadze (Kharebi), Sandro Todua (Lelo Saracens), Soso Matiashvili (Academia), Giorgi Pruidze (Bagrati), Merab Kvirikashvili (Lelos Saracens), Beka Tsiklauri (Locomotive)