THOSE FOREARMS and all his other ink. Ask Beka Gigashvili what it all means and he’ll tell you about family, team bonding, and the desire to keep moving forward and upwards. But etching such motivators onto his skin took some time.
Actually, that’s not true. It was more that there was a bit of time between needle buzzes – he got his first tattoo in France in 2014, but it wasn’t until we were all twiddling our thumbs during the Covid pandemic that he went on and got the majority of the artwork we see. He was moved to.
“I always wanted more tattoos but I never had anyone to draw it,” he says. “Then I decided to do it – I had a lot more time for this but also the will. I think I will get more when I have more time!”
This, if you’ll forgive us, is a nice illustration of a character point. Because no matter your designs, the first moves can be tough. You have to get underway and there is bravery in getting started. So 2014 was memorable for another very obvious reason in that Gigashvili moved to France. “It was hard from the beginning,” he explains. “I was away from my family. But in another way it was life-changing. Because I was becoming a professional in rugby, a big change.
“Before moving to France, I wasn’t even thinking of this. But one day a player I know who was already playing in France called me and said this was the right situation for me. So after this I accepted a move, of course. That’s when I first began thinking about living in France.
Bu hikaye Rugby World dergisinin October 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Rugby World dergisinin October 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!
As the domestic season comes to a close, we take a look across the English pyramid to see which community clubs have tasted success
Japan's landmark
The Brave Blossoms are preparing for an historic first home Test against England. Rich Freeman explains why it means so much
WHAT IT'S LIKE TO ...BRING RUGBY TO INDIA'S STREETS
RW finds out why Kolkata kids are picking up the oval ball in Quins shirts
Anthony Brooke
Mixed ability sport might not exist but for this multiple award-winner
SCOTT ROBERTSON
The new All Blacks head coach awaits the arrival of England on tour before embarking on a first Rugby Championship. We tune into his method and mindset...
SYDNEY GREGSON
The England centre hopes Saracens can right past wrongs in the play-offs
STATE OF PLAY
Uncertain futures on the SVNS series, funding issues and the small matter of the Olympics - former captain TOM MITCHELL looks at what's going on with Team GB
MAX POWER
His jump to senior standout has impressed many in Scotland and Glasgow's MAX WILLIAMSON has shown there is a way forward
KWAGGA SMITH
The Springboks have a point to prove against Ireland, says the flanker
Nash smashes on!
A BREAKTHROUGH STAR IN THE SIX NATIONS, MUNSTER WINGER CALVIN NASH HAS DONE IT THE HARD WAY