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The wait and hope for Six Nations promotion / relegation continues. Georgia put out an open request for a match against Wales. The Lelos defeated Portugal 36-10 in Paris this year for a seventh consecutive Rugby Europe Championship title. It was Georgia’s 13th title in 14 years. Wales were bottom and winless in the 2024 Six Nations.
There is no promotion to the Six Nations nor any relegation from the tournament. An fixture in an unofficial capacity has thus been sought. In addition to Georgia requesting it, such a match has long been argued for by rugby supporters.
The problem is exacerbated by World Rugby’s qualifying structures for Rugby World Cups. Three teams per pool qualify directly for the next World Cup. All of the Six Nations have already qualified for Rugby World Cup 2027. Indeed, there is no European Cup to double as qualifiers.
The 2024 November Internationals was a prime opportunity for Wales vs Georgia. Another option was July 2024. The Welsh have familiar opponents for both. Wales face South Africa in London in June followed by Australia away twice and the Queensland Reds in July. In November it is home matches against Fiji, Australia and South Africa in November.
As such the earliest possibility for a Georgia vs Wales clash is now July 2025. This is too late for the purpose as an additional Six Nations tournament will have already taken place.
The prospect of a July 2025 fixture in Tbilisi would coincide with the British & Irish Lions tour to Australia. In other words, July 2025 would mean Wales playing without the very best players who would be on tour.
July 2025 is, nonetheless, the time being considered. Wales’ July tour is to be to Japan. The two-match series may therefore be stage two of a tour that will begin in Georgia.
