Photo credits: Ana Demetrashvili / Georgian Rugby Union
MARTKOPI, Georgia - On a crisp autumn day in the rolling hills outside Tbilisi, Princess Charlene of Monaco, president of the Monaco Rugby Federation, arrived at the Georgian Rugby Federation’s training center on Oct. 29 to lend royal support to the country’s under-16 national team.
Accompanied by her brother Gareth Wittstock, the princess observed the young Monégasque players - currently in intensive training camp - as they faced off in friendly matches against top Georgian youth squads. The facility, widely praised for its modern infrastructure, served as the stage for a series of competitive encounters that underscored Georgia’s growing dominance in European rugby.
The visit extended beyond the pitch. Princess Charlene toured a first-aid workshop organized by the Georgian Red Cross in partnership with the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation. Flanked by Natia Loladze, president of the Georgian Red Cross, and M. Davit Kacharava, president of the Georgian Rugby Federation, she commended the initiative for teaching lifesaving skills to young athletes - an effort aligned with her foundation’s emphasis on safety, solidarity, and youth development.
Photo credits: Ana Demetrashvili / Georgian Rugby Union
By day’s end, the Monégasque U16 squad had secured two victories, bringing their camp record to four wins against two losses - a promising tally ahead of the Dubai International Rugby 7s tournament scheduled for early November.
The royal visit highlighted not only the strengthening ties between Monaco and Georgia in youth rugby but also the princess’s sustained commitment to fostering discipline and humanitarian values through sport.
Photo credits: Ana Demetrashvili / Georgian Rugby Union