Davidson begins his hunt for next wave of Latvians

THEY are a big name in the world of ice hockey and basketball and now the small Baltic nation of Latvia is focused on improving its standing on the European rugby stage.

With just seven clubs and only 400 registered players, Latvia punches well above its weight.

Having seen the rapid rise of near neighbours Georgia and diminutive Belgium, coupled with next door neighbours Lithuania as an improving force, the Latvians are determined to dine with the best at the Tier 2 table of European rugby.

Having put together a successful strategic and operational plan to encompass all aspects of the game including 7s, junior, youth and ladies development, the Latvian Federation is now setting its sights and following Scotland’s lead on scouring the globe for high standard rugby playing qualified nationals.

Former Sheffield fly-half Andrew Davidson has been tasked by the Latvian Federation to act as UK recruitment officer.

Davidson, whose father in-law hails from the Latvian outpost Pampali, said: “There will be players every Saturday in the UK who may not realise they qualify to play international rugby or that rugby actually exists in Latvia!

“My boys qualify through their grandfather and there will be British born, second generation players with Latvian roots who can make a difference to the standard and quality of the national side.”

Davidson says it is not a one-way street and he also finds clubs for aspirational Latvians who want to better themselves.

Wharfedale’s Toms Asejevs (prop) along with hooker Gundars Greikis and winger Martins Bokiss at Yorkshire One outfit Bradford Salem are the first to cross the Baltic for a more comprehensive rugby experience.

Davidson added: “My aim is to recruit players from the UK that will make an impact, have a high skill sets and who can act as positive role models.”

Davidson urges anyone who feels they are good enough and has a family connection in Latvia to email him at: