Rugby Europe opens up on Russia's fixtures amid conflict
NEWS: Rugby Europe has taken the decision to postpone the upcoming Georgia versus Russia fixture in the Rugby Europe Championship.
Russia, coached by Dick Muir, currently sit fourth in the Europe Rugby Championship log, having lost both of their opening games against Spain and Romania.
It is speculated that aside from the potential logistical issues due to the burgeoning conflict in Ukraine, there were concerns for the safety of Russian nationals entering the country.
A statement reads: “Considering the current situation and to preserve the health and safety of all players and officials, Rugby Europe has decided to postpone the game between Georgia and Russia scheduled to take place on February 27 in Tbilisi, Georgia and to cancel the Snow Rugby Championship scheduled to take place on February 27 and 28 in Moscow, Russia.
“The game between Spain and Russia in the Women’s Rugby Europe Championship scheduled on February 26 in Madrid, Spain, is currently maintained.”
“We will be making no further comment at this time on this matter.”
It is undoubtedly rugby union’s most legitimately bitter rivalry and one that is typically the most well-attended home fixture for Georgia, regularly attracting crowds of 60 000 people to Tblisi.
Georgian fans booed the singing of the Russian national anthem in 2010 in a match that relocated to Turkey following the 2008 Russo-Georgian war.
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