Georgia Under 19 coach David Vartanyan labelled himself “the happiest man alive” after seeing his players beat Belgium 32-6 in the European Under 19 Championship final and claim the final place at the IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy 2014 in Hong Kong.

The Lelos, who lost to Portugal in last year’s final to miss out on the 2013 edition of the Trophy in Chile, will now join hosts Hong Kong, Canada, Tonga, USA, Asian champions Japan, African champions Namibia and South American representatives Uruguay at JWRT 2014.

Georgia did not have it all their own way though against surprise finalists Belgium, who had beaten both Russia and hosts Portugal to reach the title decider, and the score was tied at 6-6 at half-time in Lisbon.

However tries from replacement Anzor Sichinava, prop Zauri Kharebava, flanker Badri Dangadze and wing Murazi Giorgadze – three of them converted by fly half Revazi Jintchvelashvili – helped the Junior Lelos to a comfortable victory.

“I am the happiest man alive!” insisted Vatanyan. “We became European champions and qualified for the Junior World Rugby Trophy. I am enormously proud of my boys and want to thank each and every one of them for what they have done to gain this victory.”

“I’d like to congratulate everyone with this remarkable victory. This was one more step forward for Georgian Rugby.”

Georgia Rugby Union president George Nijaradze added: “We have proved once again that we are able to win this tournament. I am enormously proud and happy for Georgian Rugby that it has such a talented and strong new generation on the way. I am sure some of these boys will feature in Georgia’s first XV soon.”

Spain left it late to secure third place, scoring two tries in the final 10 minutes through replacement David Taverne to beat neighbours Portugal 17-9. Romania beat Russia 37-17 to finish fifth with Poland avoiding bottom spot with a comfortable 43-5 victory over the Czech Republic.

FIRA-AER Under 19 Championship results

Day 1
Georgia 69-8 Czech Republic
Portugal 18-17 Poland
Belgium 33-12 Russia
Spain 27-3 Romania

Day 2
Czech Republic 6-30 Romania
Poland 14-26 Russia
Semi-final: Georgia 31-3 Spain
Semi-final: Portugal 11-13 Belgium

Day 3
Czech Republic 5-43 Poland
Romania 37-17 Russia
Portugal 9-17 Spain
Final: Georgia 32-6