Sandro Svanidze has vowed Georgia will leave everything on the pitch in the Autumn Nations Cup after revealing his excitement about being included in the squad.
The centre has yet to win his first cap for his country but is among the 35-man squad preparing for their opening game of the inaugural tournament against England.
And while his journey to international recognition has experienced some bumps along the road, Svanidze said he has never been in better shape as he eyes his Georgia bow.
“There were injuries and sometimes just a bad period, that’s why I have not been able to play for the national team so far,” said 22-year-old Svanidze.
“It is a great joy and happiness to be part of the national team and honestly, I don’t fully realise how special this is to me.
“I am in the best shape of my career now and training with the team has boosted my skills a lot.
“Being part of the national team has always been my dream, which has come true.”
Svandize first introduced himself to rugby fans across the globe at the 2018 World Rugby U20 Championship in France when Georgia faced Ireland.
He intercepted the ball in the Georgian 22 before scoring a coast-to-coast try as his nation triumphed 24-20 for their first victory against a Six Nations team at junior level.
The Junior Lelos defeated Japan and Scotland later at the same tournament to finish ninth – their highest finish at World Championship U20 level.
But Svandize is aware the challenge will be much tougher at senior level.
“It is less difficult to defeat such teams on the junior level,” he said. “There are completely different strengths and speeds, but these victories have boosted my confidence quite strongly.
“Hopefully, Autumn Nations Cup will be successful for us. In any case, I can say with confidence that each of us will not spare themselves on the pitch.”
