Georgia's World Cup rugby squad would never forget "the warmth, the friendship and the attention" they received during their stay in Wairarapa.
In a letter written to events co-ordinator Catherine Rossiter-Stead, Georgian Rugby Union president George Nijaradze asks that his gratitude be passed on to every resident in the Wairaraparegion.
"I kept saying this in New Zealand, and I will repeat it now; it is very hard to surprise the Georgians with hospitality but what we saw in Wairarapa exceeded all our expectations.
"We - all of us - will never forget the warmth, the friendship, the attention, which Wairarapa people shared with us. We felt completely at home, surrounded by friends.
"We will always remember the dinner with Wairarapa families, visits to schools, meetings in the street and open training sessions ... the warmth and joy of these meetings will remain in our hearts forever.
"On a special note we would like to acknowledge the enormous work done by the Wairarapa Loves Georgia initiative team with your (Rossiter-Stead's) leadership.
"After the pool stage I met Sir Brian Lochore on several occasions, and would like to say a special word of thanks to him.
"I would be happy if this letter got published and if my gratitude reached every resident of Wairarapa region. I hope our relationship continues. We will always be most happy to host you in Georgia and maybe visit our beloved Wairarapa land once again."
