Chinnor's Ramaz Rukhadze Honors Late Father's Dream in Elior Champ Rugby
Every time Ramaz Rukhadze steps onto the rugby pitch for Chinnor, he makes a subtle yet powerful gesture with his hand, tracing the Georgian characters for "Davit"—his father's name. This ritual symbolizes more than just a personal tribute; it represents the fulfillment of a decade-old promise made to his late father, Davit, who always believed in his son's potential to excel in English rugby.
A Promise Forged in Adversity
Rukhadze's journey began when he arrived in Bristol from Georgia, where his father was working. Eager to pursue rugby, he approached Bristol, then a Champ Rugby team, only to be told he was too young and unprepared. The rejection was disheartening, but his father's unwavering support proved pivotal. Davit reassured him, "One day you will play in the Champ, and you will enjoy it even more because someone said you are not good enough and you are going to prove that you can do it."
This statement became a driving force for Rukhadze. When Davit passed away, Ramaz resolved to honor his memory by achieving that shared ambition. Last season, that dream materialized as he debuted for Chinnor in Elior Champ Rugby, with his father firmly in his thoughts. "He played a massive role in me being a rugby player today," Rukhadze reflected. "When everyone was saying 'don't do it,' he told me to do what I wanted. He always supported me and was there for my games."
Overcoming Challenges and Finding His Path
Rukhadze's rugby career started relatively late in his teens, initially favoring judo before discovering his talent for rugby. Despite family pressures to pursue a conventional office job as a business economist, he followed his father to Bristol and dedicated himself to the sport. After Bristol's rejection, he played for Cardiff RFC in the Welsh Premiership, where competition for playing time was fierce, leading him to move to Cambridge.
A return to Georgia after his father's death allowed him to train with the national team and win a domestic title with Aia, though Covid-19 disrupted his international cap hopes. Determined to return to England, Rukhadze spent four years at Plymouth Albion, earning recognition as one of National One's top props while working as a nightclub bouncer—a job he has since left since joining Chinnor.
Thriving Under Nick Easter's Guidance
At Chinnor, Rukhadze found a mentor in coach Nick Easter, whose vision and leadership inspired him to join without hesitation. "He's so good and knows exactly what to say," Rukhadze said of Easter. "I didn't even ask about the contract or anything, I just said 'yep, I'm coming'!" Under Easter, Chinnor has emerged as a surprise contender in Elior Champ Rugby, currently holding fifth place with notable victories, including a historic win over Worcester Warriors at Sixways.
Rukhadze cites that match as a season highlight, fueling the team's motivation to secure a top-six finish and advance to the play-offs. "We have had a few massive wins that nobody could have predicted," he noted. "Our target now is that we want to be in the top six and play a play-off. I look at the squad we have and think we have the players and the coaching staff to be capable of doing that."
A Legacy of Resilience and Dedication
In a recent victory over Nottingham, Rukhadze scored a crucial try, once again honoring his father with his hand gesture. His story is a testament to resilience, family bonds, and the power of a promise. As he continues to excel in Elior Champ Rugby, Rukhadze not only fulfills his father's dream but also inspires others with his dedication and heartfelt tribute to Davit's enduring influence.
