World Rugby has apologised for playing a Russian song after Georgia’s 33-7 World Cup win over Uruguay on Sunday.
Georgia’s coach and captain brought up the issue during a post-match news conference.
“I want to take this moment to ask the person who played the Russian music, next time don’t make the mistake again, please,” skipper Jaba Bregvadze told reporters following his side’s Pool D victory in Kumagaya.
Coach Milton Haig explained that his team had not taken too kindly to the error by the organisers.
“They were playing a song after the match, it was a Russian song — sung by a Georgian singer, but a Russian song.
“We want to make it clear: Russia is not Georgia and Georgia is not Russia,” the 55-year-old said.
“We have a different language, different culture, different everything, so to World Rugby: Make sure to get this ironed out for us, please.”
A World Rugby spokesperson said the governing body was sorry for any embarrassment caused to Georgia.
“Sincere apologies to our friends from Georgia for any embarrassment caused,” the organisers said in a statement on Monday.
“We have discussed the matter with the organising committee to ensure no such issues occur moving forward.”