Career
He plays as a tighthead property He is seen as one of Georgia"s finest ever rugby players and was voted Georgian sportsman of the year in 2010. Zirakashvili originally came from a wrestling background, but switched to rugby in 2000.
He moved to France in 2002 to play with Fédérale 1 side Aubenas.
He moved up the leagues to the Top 14 in the 2004/05 season to play with Clermont where he joined his Georgian compatriot Goderdzi Shvelidze. He also made his debut for Georgia in 2004 against Uruguay.
In 2010, Zirakashvili was voted Georgian sportsman of the year after some crucial performances for both club and country. He was part of a Georgian scrum which scored three penalty tries and also a pushover try in the calendar year, he also a memorable solo try from 45 metres out against Russia in Trabzon and an important try against Canada.
His scrummaging was a key factor in Georgia recording wins against both Canada and United States of America for the first time, whilst at club level he was part of Clermont"s Top 14 winning side.
Zirakashvili was also mentioned as one of the best tighthead props of the year in world rugby by the Daily Telegraph.