Merab Sharikadze, born on May 17, 1993, is a professional Georgian rugby union player known for his skills as a centre. He currently represents The Black Lion in the Super Cup club competition and plays for the Georgia national team.
Sharikadze's rugby journey began in his hometown of Tbilisi, where he started playing for the club 'Academia.' Remarkably, at the age of just 16, he received a call-up to the Georgia U18 team, showcasing his talent and potential from an early age.
In 2011, he had the opportunity to further his rugby development through a partnership between the Georgian Rugby Union (GRU) and Hartpury College in England. He moved to England to learn and play for Hartpury College R.F.C., gaining valuable experience in a different rugby environment.
His performances caught the attention of Gloucester U19, and he was given the opportunity to play for the club.
Sharikadze's international career began on February 21, 2012, when he made his full debut for the Georgia national team in a match against Spain. At just 18 years old, he became the 7th youngest player to be capped by Georgia, demonstrating his potential and earning recognition at a young age.
In September 2013, Sharikadze ventured to France and joined Union Sportive Bressane, a team newly promoted to Pro D2, the second division of French rugby. Unfortunately, the team faced relegation at the end of the season.
However, Sharikadze didn't let that setback deter him, and he signed with another Pro D2 side, Stade Aurillacois Cantal Auvergne, in the summer of 2014, continuing his professional rugby career in France.
On the international stage, Sharikadze showcased his skills against Tier 1 nations, making his first appearance in November 2014 against Ireland at Lansdowne Road. He demonstrated his defensive prowess by making an impressive 22 tackles during the game, highlighting his ability to contribute in both attack and defense.
As of the 2017 November Internationals, Sharikadze had already earned 54 caps for the Georgia national team, solidifying his place as an integral member of the squad. His consistent performances and experience at both the club and international level have made him a respected and valued player for both The Black Lion and Georgia.
Ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2023, Sharikadze has been named in the squad for Georgia.
KG(05/07/2023)
Career
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Georgia Outside Centre |
2012 - present |
 |
The Black Lion Outside Centre |
2021 - present |
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Aurillac Inside Centre |
2016 - 2021 |
