Davit Niniashvili

Georgia's brightest contemporary back, Davit Niniashvili represents a new generation of Georgian players carving out careers at Europe's biggest clubs. Born in July 2002, the elusive fullback-winger has been pivotal to Georgia's national team since making his international breakthrough as a teenager, establishing himself as one of the most coveted attacking talents outside the Six Nations. Niniashvili built much of his early reputation in France with Lyon, where his explosive footwork, counter-attacking instinct, and ability to beat defenders in tight spaces marked him out as a game-breaker. Now plying his trade with Stade Rochelais, he brings those same qualities to one of the Top 14's most powerful squads, capable of operating at fullback or in the back three depending on team needs. What separates Niniashvili from many of his peers is the combination of fearless ball-carrying and the creativity to manufacture something from nothing — a player who returns kicks aggressively and is dangerous every time he touches the ball in space. His ongoing development is closely watched both in France and in the wider international game.