RWC Anniversary: 2007 Memories with Mamuka Gorgodze
It’s been exactly 16 years since France last hosted the Rugby World Cup tournament. I was lucky enough to interview former 2007 competitor and Georgian international back-rower, Mamuka Gorgodze, as he takes us down memory lane and looks towards this years’ campaign.
What are your memories of France hosting the 2007 RWC?
I have very good memories from the 2007 Rugby World Cup. The organization of the tournament was very good. The country is beautiful. And of course, it was also my very first RWC.
საფრანგეთში ვართ! მსოფლიოსთვის მზადება გრძელდება 💪 #RWC2023 #Fance2023#TheLelos arrived to France 🏉 pic.twitter.com/A3WdLD8EfW
— Georgian Rugby (@GeorgianRugby) August 31, 2023
Your favourite moment from the 2007 RWC
My favourite moment from that world cup was when my teammates scored a beautiful try against Ireland. And it was that whole Ireland game in general.
What change – good or bad – have you most noticed about rugby since 2007?
The good thing is that rugby has become a more dynamic sport.
And a bad thing is that more and more rugby players are doing simulation that is not good for rugby players.
How has rugby shaped your life over the previous 16 years?
Rugby is my whole life. I have only good memories about the game and I’ve very happy that I choice this sport to play!
A piece of advice you’d give to the players going into the RWC 2023?
I am not really sure. But I do wish them all a great World Cup; personally, and all of the teams as well.
How do you think Georgia will go at the World Cup?
I don’t know too much about how they will play but I am sure that they will give their maximum. They will be ready to die on the field for their country!
“Main photo credit”
