Currently the head coach of the Georgia national team, Maisashvili has deep roots in the Georgia game.

Credited with rearing many of the side’s young stars through the years, he had extensive experience with the Lelo Saracens outfit – twinned with the famous Premiership outfit. And after serving his time with the international side, he has led them to historic wins against Italy and Wales in recent years.

In 2021, while on tour in South Africa, Maisashvili contracted Covid and became seriously ill. On ventilators and hospitalised for months, and according to others from the union the coach was given almost no chance of survival. The story of his rally has proven inspirational.

As well as leading Georgia, Maisashvili also coaches the Black Lion outfit who will make their European Challenge Cup debut in 2023-24.