Giorgi Nizharadze will still run Georgian Rugby Union for another 4 years. His candidature was the only one at the congress held at “Courtyard Marriott”. Everyone voted for Nizharadze.
As a rule, representatives of Georgian rugby meet once every four years and choose a new (or old) president for four-year term. Before the elections, Nizharadze talked about past 4 years and presented work of GRU.
“When a person thinks that everything starts with him, he makes the biggest mistake. I want to thank everyone, Bidzina Gegidze and his team who did a great job in the most difficult situation. Also, I want to thank Merab Antidze and his team who made a foundation for us. Now we are but our leaving time will come and we must prepare foundation for future generation so that they will be able to do more”, - stated Nizharadze.
After that, president of GRU talked about priorities and achievements of last 4 years. Everyone knows that Georgian rugby achieved great success: in 2008, 2600 rugby players were registered. Now officially, they are 5289 and unofficially, more than 6 000; number of clubs increased from 24 to 52; number of fields – from 2 to 10; number of referees – from 16 to 29. In 2003-2007, 1673000 GEL was spent for development of Georgian rugby. 33 million GEL was spent last 4 years! And still, Nizharadze states that it is not enough and you must agree with him. For example, English Rugby Union has 350 000 million GEL budget a year.
Financial situation of Georgian clubs has improved and it is a merit of state program and its fund. It is good that state program will last for next four years and now it is turn of private investors. International Rugby Board (IRB) will increase finances for Georgian Rugby Union. Georgia became member of II level rugby countries. In 2013, Georgia will become member of first level countries and financing will be increased. Besides that, “The Lelos” will be able to hold test-matches against strong opponents.
“After 2-month intensive work, we persuaded the government to give us financial aid. I want to say that Georgian Rugby Union is the only union in the world which takes financial care of the clubs. This program will last for next four years but prive sectors must get involved in it. With their help we will reach the result which we want”, - explained Nizharadze. Development program of infrastructure will also continue. Charity fund “Cartu” runs this program. The company of Bidzina Ivanishvili builds stadiums and bases on the land which the government gave to GRU. The president is satisfied that in spite of political views the agreement is still in force and “Cartu” will build bases. “Cartu” has already built “Shevardeni” and “Avchala” complexes in Tbilisi and some other stadiums in regions. The same company is building stadiums in regions again. Complexes will be built in Tbilisi too. As soon as, the government will give GRU lands, “Cartu” will build bases there.
Last four years were successful for the national and age teams. It is worth mentioning that Georgia had 4 teams four years ago. Now, their number has increased to 9. Nizharadze talked about importance of Georgian A team which was formed three years ago. The team will hold three matches in Great Britain in March.
After that, presidential elections were held. 28 from 30 subjects attended the congress. As there was the only candidate, secret ballot was not held and all subjects voted for Giorgi Nizharadze. “I believe in potential of Georgian rugby and I want to see it on higher level. If I do not fulfill the promise, I am ready to quit”, - stated new old president who was elected for another four years.
Members of the board were elected after that. Their number has increased from 9 to 13. Old members kept their positions and 4 were added to them. Richard Dixon, former head coach of Georgian national team, is among them. Everybody supported members of the board. After that, budget of 2012 year was discussed. At this time, the budget is more than 2 million GEL though the union needs another 640 000 and private sectors will have to fulfill this deficit. 2012 budget was affirmed.
The first part ended up. After that, contracts were signed up with new coaches of Georgian national rugby union teams Milton Hagey and Chris Gibbs. After signing up the contract, Hagey made a speech.
“Hello everybody and I want to thank you all for your confidence. I congratulate the president on electing for another four years. We are invited by Nizharadze who did a great job for Georgian rugby. Now, we must try to continue and improve work of Richard Dixon. Your team has a great potential and I hope after expiring contract, we will stay here for another two years”, - stated Hagey.
“I am satisfied that two experienced specialists will work for Georgian team. They will develop the work which we started. We must support new coaches. Georgian team is moving toward Top 10 but it is always difficult to make final steps. Another four years will be decisive for Georgian rugby and we, Georgians, accept this challenge. I want to thank everyone for support and now we must support new coaches”, - stated former coach of “The Lelos” Richard Dixon.
Georgian Rugby Union and its sponsor “Natakhtari” signed sponsorship agreement. Tornike Nikolaishvili, marketing manager of “Natakhtari”, and Giorgi Nizharadze, president of GRU, signed the contract. There is news in a renewed contract: sponsorship money has increased and not only “Natakhtari Kasri” but also “Natakhtari” will be sponsor of GRU.
“This money is not enough for Georgian rugby. It deserves more. We want to help Georgian rugby and that is why “Natakhtari” will become its sponsor”, - stated Nikolaishvili.
“I want to thank “Natakhtari” which supported us from the beginning. We are happy that our collaboration will last for another four years. We need money for fulfilling our plans. “Natakhtari” does a great job for supporting Georgian rugby”, - added Nizharadze.
Zura Ksovreli
