Georgian rugby’s head coach Levan Maisashvili got an early taste of the atmosphere at Principality Stadium ahead of the third round Autumn Nations Series clash with Wales when he was among a group of visiting journalists and officials feted by the Rugby Writers’ Club at the International Players Lounge.

Mingling with guests such as Steve Phillips, CEO of the WRU, Nigel Walker, the WRU Performance Director, Hannah Jones, the Welsh women’s centre and Ioan Cunningham, the Welsh women’s head coach, Maisashvili explained his team would continue to keep knocking on the door to try to gain entry into the Six Nations.

Already this year he has guided his side to a first Tier 1 triumph over Italy and also beaten fellow World Cup qualifiers Uruguay. Last weekend they were beaten by a point by a home clash with Samoa.

As well as coming to Wales with a highly competitive team, the Georgians also brought with them a special gift for the WRU, which was played on the night – a very special rendition of Calon Lan sung by a female choir of 30 teenagers.