Levan Kepuladze

Still in the early stages of his career, Levan Kepuladze has already shown the physical edge that marks out the best Georgian forwards. Born on 13 February 2005, the young flanker has carved out a role at Union Bordeaux Begles 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 uncompromising physicality that 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 the kind of 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 suggests a player with considerable room to grow. At Bordeaux Begles he provides defensive steel and depth in the back row, and represents an exciting prospect for both club and country.