Cardiff Blues tight-head Anton Peikrishvili took time out of his Georgia training camp to visit his regional teammates involved in Wales Under-20s' World Rugby Championship.
The 29-year-old flew home to Georgia to see his new-born daughter for the first time following the Blues’ European play-off defeat to Stade Francais.
He has remained in Tbilisi since, as the Lelos prepare for their summer Tests in Canada, USA and Argentina and is relishing the challenge ahead.
Peikrishvili said: “It was a surprise for me because she was born six weeks before but there were games. I played against Stade and then the next day I flew home to see my daughter. There were some tears, some happy days and now we are enjoying the time.
“We started camp on Monday, it’s been difficult because the first days are always tough and then we travel to Canada on June 3.
“We have three games in different countries – Canada, America and Argentina. We play in Calgary and we’ll do our best to win against Canada in the first match.”
With such a large Cardiff Blues contingent in Jason Strange’s squad, Peikrishvili was eager to visit the Welsh camp.
Eight of his regional teammates will start in Wales’ opening encounter against Australia on Wednesday evening (5pm BST), with a further two on the bench.
Peikrishvili hopes to attend the Avchala Stadium for the big kick-off against Australia and has emphasised the importance of hosting the tournament to rugby in his homeland.
With Georgia a growing force in world rugby, and the game continuing to grow, Peikrishvili can hardly believe just how different it is today.
He added: “I’m happy to see my teammates, the young fellas. They came to play rugby so I wish them all the best, that they play well, enjoy their time in Tbilisi, have fun and make memories they will never forget.
Watch Anton Peikrishvili teach his Cardiff Blues teammates Georgian
“When I started playing rugby we were playing in parks, we didn’t have pitches and this generation are so lucky to have these facilities and pitches with grass! I wish both Georgia and Wales all the best in the tournament.
“It’s a big thing for Georgian rugby to hold this tournament in Tbilisi and Kutaisi so I am excited.
“I hope to go to the game tonight, it’s just unlucky that the senior team go to Canada on June 3, and we can’t watch the play-offs and finals. I hope it will be a big party and big rugby at the same time.”