Abkhazia Institute for Social and Economic Research

Mark Egan, the IRB's head of rugby services, said the funding would ensure the teams were fully prepared for the tournament.

It had been used to provide extra matches, specialist coaching and administration and management advice.

"All three unions have benefited from access to leading coaches who have assisted in three key technical areas: defence, set-piece play and kicking," Egan said.

"In addition provision was made for assistance in areas such as game analysis, strength and conditioning."

Egan said Namibia had received specialist coaching from Nick Mallett, the former South Africa coach, and Robbie Kempson, a former Springbok prop.

The funding had allowed Portugal and Georgia to play more matches in the lead-up to the tournament - Portugal completing a two-game tour of Canada and Georgia participating in June's IRB Nations Cup.