GEORGIA IS DETERMINED to pursue inclusion in a high-level competition, according to a representative of its Rugby Union.

New Zealand's Sonny Bill Williams is tackled by Georgia's Lasha Malaguradze during the 2015 Rugby World Cup. AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

A statement issued to The42 today confirmed its intent to progress the sport in the country, by seeking inclusion in a tournament such as the Pro12 or Super Rugby.

We can confirm that we plan to create a franchise to play in any high level competition like Pro12 or Super Rugby to continue growing our game in the country. We simply cannot depend on 6 nations’ ‘good will’ for next 10-15 years or so.”

It emerged yesterday that the Georgia Rugby Union was involved in talks with both the Pro12 and Super Rugby, regarding future participation, while Six Nations Chief executive John Feehan told the Daily Mail that “there is no vacancy” for Georgia to enter a team.

Georgia is currently ranked 12th in the world, two places above Italy, but Feehan says the Six Nations ”is a closed competition,” between the existing countries.

Georgia rugby declined to comment on Feehan’s remarks, but stressed that “what they (Six Nations) could do is to play more matches against us on our home soil to show the world rugby community how passionate Georgians are about rugby.”

Meanwhile, a spokesperson from Guinness Pro12 told The42 that the reports surrounding Georgia Rugby and its links to participation in the Pro12 “are very speculative.”

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