SPEND JUST a minute in the company of Beka Gorgadze and you would never guess the issue that plagued him following the last Rugby World Cup in 2019.
The Pau back-rower is an immediately likeable character and quick to crack a joke when we sit down together in Tbilisi ahead of this year’s showpiece.
Gorgadze is now a Top 14 captain and bona fide Georgian legend, but it was in Japan four years ago when the then 23-year-old nailed down his spot as the country’s first-choice No 8.
And although his performances did not give it away, he admits by the time the tournament started he was already running on empty.
“What did I learn from 2019? Eat many more carbs! That’s a joke but it’s the reality too,” he says.
“It was physically and mentally tough because the preparation was hell, it was so hard, so maybe we left all our energy in that.
“Going into that Wales game, the first one, when you should feel the most confident because of your preparation, personally I was empty. That was quite remarkable for me and made me feel quite anxious. ‘Why have I done all that hard work? What’s going on with me now?
Bu hikaye Rugby World dergisinin November 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 November 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