Levan Kepuladze

Cut from the uncompromising cloth of Georgian forward play, Levan Kepuladze has already shown a notable physical edge at Union Bordeaux Begles. Born on 13 February 2005, the young flanker has carved out a role built on a ferocious defensive work rate, strong tackling and a willingness to compete at the breakdown. A figure in the Georgian national set-up, he brings the robust set-piece ability and physicality his country's forwards are renowned for to the demands of the Top 14. Kepuladze's primary value is in defence, where he is frequently deployed to disrupt opposition possession and add intensity to UBB's forward effort. For one so young he carries himself with maturity in the contact area, throwing himself into rucks and tackles with an appetite that catches the eye of coaches. As he continues to develop within a competitive French squad, the combination of his youth, athleticism and Georgian forward heritage points to a player with considerable room to grow.