RUCK sources understand that\u00a0Warren Gatland is set to take over as head coach of Georgia, following the immediate resignation of Richard Cockerill.<\/p>\n
The former Wales and British & Irish Lions boss has emerged as the leading candidate as Georgian Rugby moves quickly to appoint a high-profile successor.<\/p>\n
Cockerill, who turns 55 on Friday, has stepped down from his roles as head coach of the Georgian national team and the Black Lion franchise with immediate effect.<\/p>\n
He took charge of the Lelos at the start of the 2024 Rugby Europe Men\u2019s Championship after replacing Levan Maisashvili and went on to win 14 of his 21 matches in charge.<\/p>\n
Mixed results despite titles<\/p>\n
Under Cockerill, Georgia claimed back-to-back Rugby Europe Championship titles and secured qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.<\/p>\n
However, frustration had been growing behind the scenes. All 14 victories came against sides Georgia were expected to beat, while the failure to register a landmark win over a Tier 1 nation became a growing concern.<\/p>\n
Who is Warren Gatland?<\/p>\n
Warren Gatland is one of the most decorated coaches in the modern game.<\/p>\n
The New Zealand-born coach first rose to prominence with Ireland before overseeing two highly successful spells as head coach of Wales, winning four Six Nations titles, including three Grand Slams.<\/p>\n
Gatland also coached the British & Irish Lions on three tours, leading the famous touring side to series victories over Australia in 2013 and New Zealand in 2017.<\/p>\n
Renowned for his ability to build disciplined, resilient teams and maximise limited resources, Gatland\u2019s appointment would represent a major statement of intent from Georgian Rugby.<\/p>\n
2027 Rugby World Cup draw confirmed: England play Wales<\/p>\n
As the host nation, Australia\u00a0was placed\u00a0in Pool A, while the rest of the line-up\u00a0was revealed\u00a0as the teams\u00a0were drawn.<\/p>\n
Men\u2019s Rugby World Cup\u00a0is heading\u00a0to Australia and organisers\u00a0announced\u00a0that it would be bigger than ever in welcoming the world: 24 nations and territories, seven cities, six weeks, one cup. Fans\u00a0had been invited\u00a0to register their interest for pre-sale details.<\/p>\n
World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson\u00a0was joined\u00a0on stage by former Rugby World Cup winner and All Blacks legend Dan Carter, Australia\u2019s most-capped male player, James Slipper, and Australian Olympics gold medallist, Alicia Lucas, as they conducted the draw.<\/p>\n
Each of the six pools\u00a0featured\u00a0a team from Bands 1, 2, 3 and 4.<\/p>\n
The confirmed Bands based on rankings\u00a0were:<\/p>\n
Band 1:\u00a0South Africa, New Zealand, England, Ireland, France, Argentina
Band 2:\u00a0Australia, Fiji, Scotland, Italy, Wales, Japan
Band 3:\u00a0Georgia, Uruguay, Spain, USA, Chile, Tonga
Band 4:\u00a0Samoa, Portugal, Romania, Hong Kong China, Zimbabwe, Canada<\/p>\n
2027 Rugby World Cup draw:<\/p>\n
Pool A<\/p>\n
New Zealand\u00a0\u2013 Perennial contenders with flair, power and unmatched rugby IQ.
Australia\u00a0\u2013 Unpredictable but dangerous, capable of brilliance on their day.
Chile\u00a0\u2013 Fast-improving newcomers bringing passion and fearless physicality.
Hong Kong China\u00a0\u2013 Skillful, energetic, and eager to prove themselves on the global stage.<\/p>\n
Pool B<\/p>\n
South Africa\u00a0\u2013 Brutal, relentless, and brutally efficient\u2014never count them out.
Italy\u00a0\u2013 Developing rapidly, mixing strong set-piece work with expanding ambition.
Georgia\u00a0\u2013 Scrum specialists with raw forward strength and growing all-round polish.
Romania\u00a0\u2013 Proud and powerful, known for toughness and unwavering fight.<\/p>\n
Pool C<\/p>\n
Argentina\u00a0\u2013 Dynamic, crafty, and fiercely competitive with a never-say-die spirit.
Fiji\u00a0\u2013 Magical offloads, searing pace, and unique unpredictability.
Spain\u00a0\u2013 Determined climbers building consistency and confidence every year.
Canada\u00a0\u2013 Physical and committed, working to regain their traditional sharpness.<\/p>\n
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