Georgia made their first appearance in the world cup in 2003. They were soundly beaten in all but one game, when they came within 12 points of Uruguay. This time round they were the third team to qualify from Europe, beating Portugal narrowly on aggregate for place in a pool with hungry Pumas, the expectant Ireland and the charismatic hosts. So the immediate future is not too bright. With so few of the side ever having played club rugby at the highest level, Georgia will have their work cut out trying to cope in the 'Group of Death'.

• Ilia Zedginidze
  Georgia’s injury-plagued captain will be hoping for a rather more successful World Cup adventure in France than he endured in Australia four years ago. The 30-year-old lock saw his side, making their debut in the competition, ship 200 points and score just a single try. Zedginidze, who made his international debut against Ireland in 1998 and has been a stalwart of the side ever since, goes into the tournament on the back of a mixed season with club side Auch, having made just nine appearances, but remains an integral part of the Georgian set-up.
• David Zirakashvili
  The former Aubenas prop, who has 13 caps to his name, scored a try in Georgia’s shock European Nations Cup defeat to Spain in March. He helped Clermont Auvergne reach the Top 14 play-off final last season, where they went down to Stade Francais, after finishing the regular campaign in third.
• Pavle Jimsheladze
  Outhalf Jimsheladze has scored 320 points, including nine tries, in 56 appearances for his country. He made his debut in 1995 and now plays his club rugby, like so many of Romanian squad, in France with Arras.

• Forwards
  Goderdzi Shvelidze, Avtandil Kopaliani, Mamuka Magrakvelidze, David Khinchagashvili, David Zirakashvili, Akvsenti Giorgadze, Ilia Zedginidze (capt.), Victor Didebulidze, Mamuka Gorgodze, Levan Datunashvili, Grigol Labadze, Besarion Udesian, Rati Urushadze, Giorgi Chkhkaidze, Zviad Maisuradze, Ilia Maisuradze.
• Backs
  Pavle Jimsheladze, Otar Barkalaia, Merab Kvirikashvili, Besiki Khamashuridze, Irakli Machkhaneli, Giorgi Shkinin, Giorgi Elizbarashvili, Otar Eloshvili, Malkhaz Urjukashvili, Irakli Giorgadze, David Kacharava, Revaz Guigauri, Irakli Abuseridze, Bidzina Samkharadze.