GEORGIA 2017 St Davids College, Llandudno Georgia here we come! St David’s College Rugby Tour Established in 2012, Kemsley Tours is a family-run, boutique tour to Georgia company, dedicated to providing St David’s College from North are the first Brit- bespoke, affordable, personalised ish school to bring a rugby tour to Georgia. They have tours in our favourite country- an action packed schedule beginning with their first Georgia. game against one of the Georgian Rugby Academy teams on Saturday 1st April at 11am at the Martkopi Kemsley Tours Georgia is a historic land of culture, Rugby Ground. They will also get chance to watch colour and diversity. Whether you some of the Big Ten sides play on Sunday followed by their own second game on Tuesday 4th April at 4pm at want to learn more about Georgia’s the Shevardeni Stadium. ancient heritage, climb mountains or experience Georgia’s legendary The team will be housed in the National Team’s training hospitality and gastronomy, Geor- facilities at Shevardeni and they are very honoured to gia has something for everyone. have National Coach, putting them through their paces in a training session on Monday morning. On the sporting front, the company Providing bespoke, affordable tours in Georgia Head of PE Daniel Lycett said “this is a great oppor- owners, husband and wife, Zura tunity for the boys to experience a trip of a lifetime to Dugladze and Pam Kemsley- St David’s College are primed and ready to take on a country very few people travel to, we are extremely Contact us at Dugladze share a love of rugby the might of Georgia, now kitted out in their tour kit privileged that the Georgian has been so hospitable to us”. [email protected] and so whether you want to come kindly donated by Pelagos Yachts. or through our facebook and watch the upcoming Under 20s , take part in They will also meet the British Ambassador and hear page: Kemsley Tours and St David’s will travel to Georgia for a two game more about the UK’s activities in Georgia, visit Social the annual Beach Rugby Festival let us help you create your tour and at the same time taking the mantle of the Café and gallery,” Rhea’s Squirrels” which supports or bring your team on a personal- first school team ever to play in the burgeoning local, disabled children and take part in a mixed Geor- own unique Georgian ized tour of Georgia we can help rugby nation. gian and British Quiz with students from Education and experience. you. Training International, ETI, to help them learn more The team will be housed in the National Teams about Georgia and for local Georgian students to learn training facilities and National Coach Milton Haig more about Britain. will be putting the students through their paces in a training session. Whilst recovering between games they will also have time to see the sights of and enjoy Georgian Head of PE Daniel Lycett said “this is a great food, music and culture. opportunity for the boys to experience a trip of a The tour is supported in Georgia by the Georgian lifetime to a country very few people travel to, we Rugby Federation, Kemsley Tours and Education and are extremely privileged that the Georgian Rugby Training International. Education and Training Union has been so hospitable to us”. The party of 25 will leave on Thursday the 30th. We invite Georgians and the local expatriate commu- International Ltd nity to come out and watch the rugby on Saturday and Tuesday. Education and Training International Ltd, ETI, is a privately owned British company which has been offering general, business and technical language tuition in a wide Please come and show them your support; the more the merrier. Any questions about match venue please variety of languages including English, Georgian, Azerbaijani and Russian since contact Pam Kemsley-Dugladze at [email protected] 1996. ETI operates in Georgia, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan and has a Head Office in London. ETI Ltd is also an accredited Cambridge Examination centre offering internationally I would like to thank the teachers and recognized Cambridge English language exams as well as Teacher Training courses students of St Davids College for al- lowing me to accompany them on their such as CELTA (Certificate of English Language Teaching for Adults.) wonderful tour to Georgia - it will live in the memory for ever. Contact us at [email protected] or visit our website Many thanks to all the companies and Gary Williams - 07713 514 375 www.eti.uk.com for more information. individuals who generously assisted in fund-raising for the tour www.ovalzone.co.uk The German sunshine had those Georgia here of us with the fairer skin wishing we Oh Tbilisi - you wonderful city! could get hold of our Factor 50 which we come... was stashed away in our suitcases somewhere in Munich airport. By Gary Williams Our stay in Munich was ended with A long time getting here to Tbilisi that great German dish, a lamb ke- but a cracking, action-packed rugby bab, in the airport before our four weekend awaits. Please follow the hour flight to the Georgian capital. daily blogs. From the bus window at night I must Wow, Friday morning as I tap this say that Tblisi looked spectacular out, sun beating through the window with majestic castles and monu- here in Tbilisi and I can’t believe that ments lit up and I can’t wait for our we’ve only been gone a day. Mind sightseeing tour later today (Friday). you, it was a 5am start for me from the locals, many of whom gave nods and smiles when they heard that we Welshpool on Thursday and 5am I got a bit worried when I found out were over to play rugby. Friday arriving here at the Fabrika that we were stopping in a hostel Hostel in the capital. on the first night, having never done Lunch was an experience in itself - this sort of thing before (what a snob a fantastic restaurant reserved just Meeting the team at Manchester air- I hear you shout!). Very pleasantly for us and joined by David from the port went OK, however five minutes surprised to find that this wasn’t just Georgian RU, Zura the Rhino Rugby after meeting up with a 24-strong a hostel, this was a boutique hostel Director in Georgia as well as coach party, I lost them! The boys must and the best in the city. Nothing but of the Georgian Academy and his have been thinking that Mr Lycett the best for this travelling band of that the officials for this game are all wife Pam, Director of the English size of these Georgian boys but the had taken me with them as part of a merry Gogs. Irish and I managed to have a chat Language Schools in Tblisi. Wonder- young Gogs didn’t seem particularly ‘care in the community’ project. with the observer (also What a fantastic Friday and a big ful company and all rugby-mad! bothered and looked to be relishing Irish) at the airport last night and Friday morning up like a lark, sun thanks to Giogi, our guide, who gave the challenge. The plane ride was a great satisfac- shining, showered, covered in John- hopefully going to meet him again at us some fascinating details about The food was something else. Just tion to me, my 2017 diet had paid son’s baby powder and breakfast on the stadium. The TMO is Welsh so, Tblisis and its history. Our group when you thought you’d finished, After tea, a team talk and the chance off, I could actually get the tray table the horizon before a guided tour of fingers crossed, I’m going to get to certainly drew a few stares as we out popped another course and, be- to outline the itinerary for the next down to where it’s supposed to be the city. Not a bad way to spend a see inside the TMO office/caravan snaked around the main thorough- ing a bunch of growing young men couple of days and then all sent when the meals were served and not few days off work. or wherever they put the TMO over fares and back alleys of this lovely (not me, the rest of the party), all to bed for an early night... some have it on an angle with everything here in this part of the world. city. was received and partaken of, with chance! sliding off and even more satisfying, Must say that the boys have been relish. Bit of a worry as we tried to lift I could get the St Davids College very courteous to me considering I’m Enough for me for today, onwards The fella in the currency exchange ourselves off our seats was that our Another superb day on this ground- hoodie on which I was kindly provid- a total stranger in their midst snap- and upwards. Factor 50 at the ready, booth must have thought he’d won evening meal was only a few short breaking tour and can’t wait until to- ed with (probably so that I wouldn’t ping away with the camera at their camera in hand and ready to have a the lottery when he saw the queue hours away. Bang goes the diet for morrow! get lost again!). every move. look at this historic city. in front of him all bearing Sterling, today... Euros and American Dollars to ex- First stop Munich and an eight hour Appears that we have Denver Rug- change for the Georgian Lari, which The excitement was mounting as we wait before our connecting flight by Club staying here as well. Spot- incidentally I still haven’t spent any got back on to our bus for the short to Georgia. What can you do with ted the tour shirts at breakfast and of. drive to our home for the the next a group like this for that amount of had a very pleasant chat with a few five nights - the Shevardani Rugby time you may well wonder. Easy re- of the team. Their team looked a bit We had our first training session of base. After a great welcome and ally, you jump on a bus to the nearest more refreshed than some of the St the day walking up to the top of the being shown to our accommodation town from the airport, Friesing, find a Davids boys who have just arrived hill overlooking the city and were re- (thankfully for the other adults in our public park and have a game of rug- for brekkie. by (after all, that’s why we’re here). warded with some excellent photo group we had a room each so no opportunities (hope you like them). problem in me tapping away in the Today (Friday) looks like being a lei- Not sure what some of the young wee small hours of the morning). surely day with sightseeing and an Tblisi is a city which is the middle of German ladies on the bus thought of early night. We have an 11am kick- change, lots of new build amongst To top it all, there was a game on being serenaded by a group of North off tomorrow (Saturday) and then buildings which quite literally were one of the pitches and, with it being Walians in full song but it was all off to see a European Challenge being propped up to prevent them a youth game between Armazi and taken in good humour. Yet again, the game between a Russian side and collapsing. I get the feeling that if we Khvamli, a chance for our boys to myth that all Welshmen are fantastic a Romanian side, which everybody’s came back to this city in about ten see what sort of standard the rugby singers was dispelled... getting a bit excited about. Seems years time there would be vast dif- is that they might have to face. Pretty ferences as new buildings continue alarming to be honest looking at the to replace old. One thing you do notice is, I guess much like most of the world, that there are a lot of ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’, either you have a top of the range Merc or a vehicle which cer- tainly wouldn’t pass an MOT back home so not sure how they manage over here. Also loads of people set- ting up refreshment stalls from their back of their cars. It all added up to a capitvating heady mixture of old and new which was truly fascinating.

Yet again the boys didn’t let us down and when appropriate, engaged with In case you ever wondered about rightly the staff told these boys what Size does matter the question ‘does size matter?’, I a tremendous performance they had can tell you that it does as the Geor- put up against a very powerful and - match day gian team were huge in comparison strong Georgian Academy side and, to our boys. Worryingly, they’re also even after defeat, the boys can’t wait Worryingly these Georgian young- very skilful! to get out on the field again for the sters are very skilful as well as being next game. big... St Davids battled manfully and never gave up for the whole eighty minutes As an ‘observer’ on the rugby tour Saturday morning and it’s game day but the constant tackling took its toll with the College, I must say that I am for the young men from St Davids as the hosts ran out comfortable win- so impressed by the amount of de- College with the East Division of the ners. Nevertheless, this was a fan- tail that those staff members on tour Georgian Rugby Academy as their tastic experience for the team and have put in to ensure that this is one opponents. Didn’t see many jitters they were applauded at the end by a fantastic experience for all. from the boys though as they tucked very appreciative home crowd. in to a healthy breakfast. For myself, visiting Georgia has been Back on to the bus with a packed an eye-opener. Firstly, these people With a bit of forward planning, the lunch and a drive to Rustavi to watch are so friendly and can’t do enough management had decided that the a European Challenge Cup game to help you. Then the rugby, pleased boys needed to have something a between Krasni Yar and Timsoara be assured this is a rugby-mad coun- bit ‘Welsh’ in reserve in case of be- Saracens, a Russian and Romanian try and I expect them to continue this ing given a ‘challenge’ by their hosts, team. This was a Russian home rise on the world stage. The facilities thus it was decided that a blast of game but because it was -30 de- are fantastic and if you’re looking for ‘Bread of Heaven’ would be appro- grees at their ground they switched a new country to take your team on priate so, what better way to trial this it to Georgia. Good move I reckon as tour I’d certainly point you in this di- than on the steps of Shevardani as the sun had come through for a glori- rection. we headed to the coach. Fair play, ous afternoon. considering there was a teeny weeny OK, as you drive around, there are bit of reluctance amongst the boys, Smartly decked out in their St Davids some areas that look pretty de- they did really well. gear, the boys attracted quite a bit of pressing but this is a country which A nice touch by some Georgian attention at this game and I imagine is changing. It is fascinating to be players who were also at the base that pictures are winging their way driving along a state-of-the-art new was when they clapped our boys on around the world as I tap this out. motorway and suddenly find yourself to the bus ready for our journey to going over a ramp on to a single- Martkopi Rugby Ground, about forty One thing that I have noticed is that track uneven road with farmers sell- minutes from the centre of Tblisi. in three of games I’ve watched al- ing sheep on the side of it. Some of And what a ground this is, you turn ready on this tour is that we have the boys said it was a bit like home! up to what appears to be a small vil- had one female referee and three lage and they have this magnificent female assistants so obviously girls There is a lot of history attached to looking stadium with fantastic fa- are definitely being pushed to take this country and I’m pretty sure that cilities. We found out that we were up the whistle over here at a rela- I speak for all on this tour in saying playing on the 4G pitch next to the tively young age. that we can’t wait to see more. main pitch. It’s amazing to see the facilities in this country for rugby, no Back to the bus again after a fan- Tomorrow I think is Sunday and it’s wonder they’re advancing so rapidly tastic afternoon out and time for the a trip to the Ethnographic Museum on the world stage. boys (they never stop!) to have a bit before lunch and then off to watch of touch rugby before dinner. a Georgian Didi 10 match. This tour And so to the match, incidentally gets better by the minute! watched by a good crowd in pretty After dinner, the match debrief. Quite cold and miserable conditions, some even wearing Welsh shirts and daf- fodil hats. GAME DAY ONE

GAME DAY TWO to watch a Didi 10 (Super 10) game, wire fence around them and only the formed that we were going to meet Rainy Day in between leaders Gori and Lelo Sa- players, referee and assistants and the President of the Georgian Rugby racens. perhaps a TV camera man at either Union and also the Mayor of Gori and Georgia end of the ground, plus one photog- have pictures taken with them on the Gori’s about an hours drive from rapher are allowed inside. The subs pitch. Two very passionate speak- Another great day in what has Tblisi so it gave us some time for and coaches etc have to sit outside ers and I only wish I’d recorded fully quickly become my second favourite a snooze after a five or six course the ‘cage’ and are only allowed on what they said. country.... lunch, well certainly the older ones when there’s an injury or substitu- amongst us... tion etc. The President of the GRU explained Sunday morning up like a lark and how Georgian rugby was progress- some weather to remind us of home, What a surprise! Another super sta- So, to have the official invite from ing and stressed that it was tours it’s raining... dium with a 4G pitch alongside the Gogita and Dave, a representative like this that St Davids College are grass pitch. I might be sounding like of the GRU who has been absolutely on, that would assist Georgian rugby But undeterred, after breakfast we a broken record, but you would be superb, like everybody else we’ve and he thanked the College for being were off to the Ethnographic Muse- amazed at the facilities. Apparently, met, to step inside the cage to take the first to tour his country. um in Tblisi, the Georgian equivalent and this might need confirming, some pictures was a great honour to our St Fagans I’d describe it as. there is a billionaire who lives in Tb- for me. However, it does have it’s The Mayor, whilst also thanking us for lisi who has funded at least ten of the downside... to be looking through the watching the game and coming over Ably led by our fantastic guide who, stadiums (and adjoining 4G pitches) lens at these man mountains coming to play rugby in his country, brought I must say, just oozes Georgian so that rugby in Georgia can move right towards you at great speed can home the struggle that Georgia has pride and why not, the group were up the ladder and get close to the top be pretty frightening. On at least two had in recent years when he pointed led around the outdoor museum and of the world game. occasions I was tempted to drop the at the hills in the distance and re- given a fascinating insight in what camera and make a run for it as they minded us all that Russian soldiers Show us how it’s done Milt life was like in Georgia hundreds of There was a crowd of perhaps 300- were getting a bit close! were still camped there since the years ago. You might think that it 400 at this game but the noise from 2008 invasion. This, and further local Another fantastic rugby day as the Rheas Café, which is a social café would be hard for a guide to keep these fanatics was amazing with flags Gori narrowly won a pulsating game history, that the Mayor told us, con- young men from North Wales are put which helps, and has working for the attention of a group of 25 but waving which created a real ‘cup tie’ and to be up close to the celebrations firmed to us all what a proud, pas- through their paces by Georgian Na- them, disabled people with a great this was so engrossing that the boys atmosphere. Gogita (fingers crossed was fascinating. Some of those hugs sionate people the Georgians are. tional coach. connection to rugby. It was also to be hung on to his every word. that I’m spelling his name right), the and back slapping would have most This was a speech from the heart here that we met the UK Ambassa- Georgian RU photographer, was of us mere mortals flat on our back and we were all moved by what we Monday morning and supposedly a dor in Georgia, Mr Justin McKenzies It was a shame about the rain, but there and gave me the thumbs up, writhing in pain. One tradition I did heard. fairly quiet day ahead in comparison Smith. Monday was certainly turning as most of us on the tour are Welsh, well I think it was his thumb... notice, and I suspect there’s one or to the jam-packed first few days of in to a day of meeting the Tblisi fa- it was just brushed aside as a usual two referees back home (you know After the usual bear hugs it was time this tour. Heard that one before! mous! inconvenience. The game was just as we thought who you are) who would like this, is to head back to our home at the it would be, twenty-plus stone mis- that the players kissed the referee at Shevardani rugby base and reflect A great honour for the boys sched- As we found every day on this tour, Unfortunately, time prevented us giv- siles called rugby players, launching the end of the match. on what had a fantastic day with fan- uled this morning as they are going the welcome and hospitality was su- ing this museum the day-long visit themselves in to their opposite num- tastic people. to be taken on a coaching session by perb and once lunch was partaken it needed but all left with a lot more bers with an evil smile on their face. Just when we thought our day Milton Haig, Georgian Head Coach of, it was time for some welcomes knowledge about Georgia and its Welcome to Georgian rugby! But, as couldn’t get any better we were in- Thank you Georgia once again. and Brad Harris, Georgian forwards and speeches. customs. mentioned in an earlier blog from this coach. Not too much of a language tour, there is now finesse as well as problem as one is from New Zealand I tell you now, the lady in charge of Lunch followed in a glorious restau- brawn and this is what makes Geor- and one from Australia. the Rheas gave such a powerful rant overlooking Tblisi and now, with gia such a threat. Take them lightly welcoming speech that you would a little bit of knowledge of how the at your peril... Milton and Brad (note the first name have to be very hard not to have had menu works in Georgia, we didn’t terms) were magnificent with the a tear in your eye. She emphasised eat up everything that was laid out You can hear the bone-crunching boys who I am sure must have come what rugby was doing for Georgia on the tables in a feeding frenzy, but tackles quite clearly from the stand, away from the session both elated and how touring teams like ours waited for the inevitable further five but when Gogita invited me down to and tired (the boys I mean). A big would benefit the country greatly be- or six courses. What do many cours- step inside the cage at half-time and thanks to the fore telling us the reason why Rheas es make, big props of course! get right close to the action, some of for sanctioning this, it really was a Café is in existence, to help the disa- the hits were pretty frightening. The special treat. bled in the city. It’s a rugby tour so our Sunday af- cage... one thing we have noticed ternoon treat was to be a trip to Gori is that all these new stadia have a After the training session, it was I felt a bit for Justin (might as well a quick change and a drive to the carry on the first name terms), the

Ambassador, who had to follow that gains before heading back to base welcome. However, he rose to the at Shevardani for a bit of free time challenge perfectly and was a joy before dinner. to listen to, explaining some of the Georgian history and why Britain and There was a great cultural evening Georgia have such a strong bond. It lined up as some of the local teen- was great to see him chatting to the agers joined our party for a quiz boys and answering all their ques- evening and a get-together. It was a tions. joy to behold watching them all min- gle and I’m sure that at the end of the And a special treat for us adults, a evening, all would have known much bottle of red wine to bring home, spe- more about the other’s country. cially prepared for the tour with a St Davids College label. I’d like to say it And here we now find ourselves, just will remain intact in my house when I one more day to go and another big get back for ever, but you know what game. it’s like...

This past couple of hours was one of the occasions which pull on your heartstrings, listening to the magnifi- cent work that is being done at Rh- eas and I urge you all, if you make the trip to Tblisi, please make this one of your stopping off points.

After giving the Ambassador and all the staff at Rheas some bear hugs as we parted (not sure if that’s the correct etiquette for saying goodbye to an ambassador but what the heck) it was time to head to the Georgian rugby shop and snap up a few bar- sure I saw the Minister for Sport and Didi madloba the President of Georgian RU giving themselves a high five. With a new Georgia – I’ll zest, St Davids upped the pace and were rewarded with their second try be back! which was again cheered to the raft- ers. The final day of our fascinating tour was upon us and just one more The Georgian boys decided things game for the young St Davids Col- were getting a bit close, stuck the lege team, to be played at the Shev- ball up their jumpers again and their ardani Rugby Base which had been forwards touched down for a couple our home for the past six days. more tries to thwart any hint of a comeback. What a glorious morning and whilst the St Davids team had a gentle run Despite two defeats against very out on the 4G pitch I took the op- good Georgian sides, the boys of St portunity to observe the Georgian Davids can hold their heads up af- National squad being put through ter their never-say-die performances their paces by Milton Haig and Brad which impressed everybody who Harris on the adjoining pitch. Must at saw the games and they were given this point say another big thank you a standing ovation when the referee to these coaches for allowing us to blew the final whistle. just roll up and engage them in chat whilst their attention should have After the presentations and team pic- been on their charges. Can’t thank tures, it was sadly time to say good- them enough. bye to some of those who had gone out of their way to make this such an A light lunch followed (just the four enjoyable tour, way beyond what I courses) before it was time to pre- suspect any of us expected. We talk pare for the challenge of Khvlami a lot about the #RugbyFamily – well Academy. Pre-match the press and mine has grown considerably in the media were out in force and Dan last week and now has a Georgian Lycett, Head of PE and Harri Mostyn- contingent! Jones, team captain, both gave ster- ling performances in their numerous And so, the final item on the itinerary, interviews. the Gala Dinner. Fair play, the boys scrub up pretty well when they want With the crowd building and the ten- to. Not sure how many of the ties Mr sion rising, the next visitors were the Lycett had to put on for them but they Georgian Minister for Sport and the certainly looked the part. President of the Georgian Rugby Union, both of whom met the teams A lovely trip on the bus followed to prior to kick off, evidence of the im- the restaurant which was high above portance that Georgia were placing Tiblisi and gave some great views on this first tour to their country by a of the city. Another sumptuous meal to base. Thought I’d sit in the front when I’m sure on occasions they’d UK College/School. in great company which culminated seat next to the driver and take a have preferred some space. in the awards presentation and the few pictures of this lovely city as we The teams came out to a tremendous swapping of gifts. The whole party descended. Suddenly saw the driver Others who may follow the road to cheer and it was obvious straight were presented with presents from ‘crossing’ himself five times every Georgia have a tough act to follow. away that the Georgian boys were our Georgian hosts, something that time we passed a church and there St Davids have set the standard. far bigger than the young Gogs. Al- I, and am certain everybody else, will were a lot of them… so, we’re going though St Davids tackled like de- greatly treasure. around hairpin bends, big drop to the To the three teachers who accom- mons it was the hosts who ran in a left of us, the driver crossing himself panied the team, they have my couple of tries in the first half. To finish the evening, the boys gave every couple of minutes and driving complete admiration. The rapport another rendition of ‘Bread of Heav- one handed! Must admit I was doing between them and the boys was a Undeterred, the St David’s boys were en’ which drew great applause from more ‘crossing’ than the driver when joy to witness and they were fantas- determined to finish this tour with a all the locals who were probably out we finally reached base. tic company. flourish and when man of the match for a quiet night! and team captain, Harri Mostyn- Time for a couple of hours ‘shut-eye’ Anthony Lynn, like myself a ‘guest’ Jones, crossed for a try the whole A bit of a hair-raising journey back before leaving at 2.30am for the air- on this tour and a regular visitor to stadium erupted. In fact, I’m pretty down the mountain on the way back port. This was time for the final good- Georgia, helped make this trip spe- bye to some of our hosts and new- cial with his meticulous attention to found friends who had hung around detail, inside knowledge of the coun- to see us off. With hindsight I should try and his friendship with the hosts have rung the wife and asked if it and a big vote of thanks go to ‘Ant’. was OK to invite them all to stay with us in November when Georgia come Finally (is that cheering I hear), to to play Wales but, you know what it’s the people of Georgia, our hosts who like, emotion gets the better of you made our trip special and the Geor- sometimes... gian Rugby Union, a massive thank you and may you go from strength Bleary eyed bunch when we ar- to strength. I want you in the Six Na- rived at Manchester and time for me tions because, as that famous fella to leave the group. A group who, I once said – ‘I’ll be back!’ must say, were exceptionally well behaved and a credit to the College Thank you St Davids College and and Wales. Thanks to them all for Thank You Georgia. putting up with me snapping away St David’s College Rugby Tour to Georgia - Itinerary Thursday 30th March 2017 •06.00 Coach leaves St Davids College to airport •07.30 – 08.00 Team meet at Manchester Airport •10.30am flight to Tbilisi via Munich (Long stop over at Mu- nich 8 hours) night 1(Fabrika)

Friday 31st March 2017 •03.45am - Land in Tbilisi. You will be met at the airport by Georgian representatives where a coach will take the team to the accommodation (Fabrika Hostel). Late break- fast.(11.00) •12.30 Sightseeing in central Tbilisi •15.30 Lunch at local restaurant (Astoria) •17.00 Transfer to Shevardeni Base •Free time •18.00 Dinner at Shevardeni •19.00 Early night (but with option to run around a bit at stadium) •Night 2 (Shevardeni Base)

Saturday 1st April 2017 •08.00 Breakfast •09.15 Leave Shevardeni for Martkopi Rugby Ground •09.45 Arrive at Martkopi •10.15 Pre -game warm up/team talk •11.00 -13.00 Match v Academy XV U-16/17 •13.00 Packed lunch en route to Rustavi for Krasni Yar vs Timsoara Saracens •14.00-16.00 Krasni Yar vs Timsoara Saracens •Return to Shevardeni (by approx. 17.30) •19.00 Post Match dinner at Shevardeni •21.00 Free evening (at base) •Night 3 (Shevardeni Base)

Sunday 2nd April 2017 •10.00 Trip to Tbilisi National Museum •12.00 Trip to Ethnographic Museum and Lunch •16.00 (Exact time to be confirmed) Georgia Championship (Didi Ati- Big Tens) •19.00 dinner at Shevardeni •Night 4 (Shevardeni Base)

Monday 3rd April 2016 •09.00 Breakfast •09.45-10.30 Free time •11.00 – 12.00 coaching session with Milton Haig, (head coach of Georgian National Team) •13.00-15.00 Afternoon visit to Rheas union (presentation and light buffet) meeting the British ambassador to Georgia •15.00-18.00 Sightseeing at the Funicular railway and Tbilisi Centre •19.00 Dinner at Shevardeni Stadium •Free evening (at base) Quiz and Games evening with ETI students •Night 5 (Shevardeni Base)

Tuesday 4th April 2017 •10.00 Free morning •10.30 – 12.00 light training session •12.30-13.00 Press Conference •13.00 Light lunch •15.00-15.30 Team talk/ dry coaching session •16.00-18.00 Match v Georgian Rugby President XV U- 16/17 (representative side) •20.00 Gala Dinner and presentation •Night 6 (Shevardeni Base)

Wednesday 5th April 2017 •02.30 Depart for Tbilisi airport •04.30 Flight back to Manchester via Munich Bread of Heaven Guide me, O thou great Jehovah, Pilgrim through this barren land; I am weak, but thou art mighty; Hold me with thy powerful hand: Bread of heaven, bread of heaven Feed me now and evermore. Feed me now and evermore.