Georgia's Lelo sparks rugby aspirations
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A Rough-and-Tumble Tradition Fueling Rugby's Rise: Lelo Burti in Shukhuti, Georgia
Every Easter, a wild frenzy sweeps through the quaint Georgian village of Shukhuti, where hundreds of men participate in a ragtag, heart-pounding contest that locals claim has an unmistakable impact on their country's prowess in modern-day rugby union. This boisterous, booze-soaked festival - Lelo Burti - has been a cornerstone of the Caucasus country's culture for over 150 years, and it's no secret that Georgians view it as the wild cousin of rugby.
At first glance, Lelo Burti seems like a far cry from the organized sport of rugby. Teams of мест dwellers slam into each other, puffing on cigarettes and squinting under the sun as they hurl a pressure-packed leather ball weighing a hefty 16kg towards the river that cuts through Shukhuti. Yet, the prized ball - stuffed with soil doused in locally distilled wine - is exactly what makes this game so passionate, so primal, and undeniably Georgian.
The origins of Lelo Burti can be traced back to the 1800s when the villagers commemorated a decisive victory against Ottoman invaders by playing a game that early inhabitants referred to as "wine war." Fast forward to today, and this ancestral tradition gives Georgians the fire in their bellies needed to dominate the Rugby Europe Championship, clinching the trophy for eight years in a row.
According to local mayor, Alexandre Sarishvili, the tantalizing combination of Georgian spirit and tradition is what fuels the passion for victory that drives their national rugby team, the Lelos. Richard Cockerill, the head coach of the Lelos, shares that sentiment and believes that this cultural link is essential to Georgia's rugby success.
"We're a small country with small numbers, but Lelo Burti is the DNA that says, 'We can stand tall and compete with the best,'" Cockerill told a group of reporters at the team's Tbilisi training ground. "It gives us the fire and determination to take on the world."
Yet, despite their evident skill, the Lelos have been left out in the cold, unable to join the highly exclusive Six Nations tournament. The lack of opportunity has Cockerill and many Georgian fans dreaming of a promotion-relegation playoff system where the best can rise to the top - a system that would prioritize meritocracy over tradition and provide a chance for countries like Georgia to shine.
"We deserve an opportunity to prove ourselves," Cockerill said. "If we can bring home the Rugby Europe Championship title year after year, surely we're ready for the big leagues."
While the Lelos await their chance, the legacy of Lelo Burti continues to live on, with new generations carrying on the traditions of their ancestors. And as Georgians dust off the cobwebs from the wine-soaked ball and prepare for the annual Lelo Burti showdown, there's no doubt that the spirit of the game will continue to fuel the fire and passion of a nation.
"Lelo Burti is more than just a game," said local doctor Nanuli Khalvashi, 64. "It captures the competitive spirit of the Georgian people, their love for the land, and their endless determination to succeed. With a sporting tradition like this, it's no wonder Georgia has become a force in rugby."
- The annual rugby festival in Shukhuti, Georgia, known as Lelo Burti, shares some similarities with the Champions League and European leagues in football, as it fuels the passion and competitiveness of the Georgian national rugby team, the Lelos.
- The Lelos, a small but tenacious team, are motivated by the traditions of games like Lelo Burti, which embodies the spirit of the Georgian people - their love for competition and their endless determination to succeed, much like the champions of the Champions League and European leagues.
- Lelo Burti, a 16kg leather ball game steeped in tradition, contributes to Georgia's success in modern rugby union, similar to how the Champions League and European leagues propel football teams to the pinnacle of the sport.
- Despite being left out of the prestigious Six Nations tournament, the Lelos aspire for a promotion-relegation playoff system, hoping to showcase their skills on the international stage, just as teams in sports like football demonstrate their talent in the Champions League and European leagues.
