Georgian Rugby Scandal: Bans Envoked Over Doping Allegations

Former Georgia captain Merab Sharikadze and five other rugby players were handed lengthy bans following a doping scandal involving sample substitution and drug-test warnings. The investigation by WADA and World Rugby alleged anti-doping rule violations, leading to bans ranging from nine months to 11 years for involved parties.

Former Georgia rugby captain Merab Sharikadze, along with five players and an official, have been handed bans for their roles in an alleged doping scheme, World Rugby announced on Tuesday. The breach involved sample substitution and advance notifications of drug testing.

A thorough investigation by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and World Rugby found that six players committed violations, leading to bans from the sport. Sharikadze, who captained Georgia to a notable victory over Wales in 2022, received an 11-year ban. Other players, including Giorgi Chkoidze, Lasha Khmaladze, Otar Lashkhi, and Miriani Modebadze, received suspensions of three to six years.

The incident, spanning from February 2022 to June 2023, also implicated Georgia's national anti-doping agency for providing testing warnings. This scandal, which preceded the 2023 Rugby World Cup, has led to a misconduct charge against the Georgia Rugby Union. Sharikadze has since retired from rugby and transitioned to Mixed Martial Arts.