Bans totalling 35-plus years for Georgians found guilty of anti-doping violations

Following the most extensive anti-doping investigation ever undertaken in the sport, World Rugby has confirmed that six former Georgia players and a member of the Lelos staff have been banned for a combined total of just over 35 years for anti-doping violations.

A parallel investigation between World Rugby and WADA was triggered when irregularities in urine samples were identified in the build-up to Rugby World Cup 2023 and the parties involved have been subsequently sanctioned.

World Rugby has also issued a misconduct charge against the Georgia Rugby Union, resulting in a financial penalty being imposed. The Georgian RU is to also introduce a number of measures to get their house in order.

Merab Sharikadze, who has embarked in a career in MMA since he was last capped in March 2024, has been hit the hardest with an 11-year ban for his involvement in an “orchestrated scheme involving recreational drugs and sample substitution.”

The former Lelos captain, who won 104 caps, is the most high-profile player among the group, which also includes hooker Giorgi Chkoidze, utility back Lasha Khmaladze and wingers Otar Lashkhi and Miriani Modebadze.

Chkoidze has been banned for six years, with Khmaladze, Lashkhi and Modebadze – who are both still in their 20s – receiving three-year suspensions, and back-rower Lasha Lomidze being banned for nine months.

In addition, team doctor Nutsa Shamatava has been handed a nine-year ban after it was found that Georgia’s national testing authority had tipped her off about upcoming tests, information that she then shared to the players.

These suspensions are backdated to include the provisional suspensions issued to all individuals upon charge and result in a complete suspension from all rugby activities.

World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin said: “This case demonstrates the importance of operating a robust, science-led anti-doping programme with coordinated biological profile analysis, testing and long-term storage functions.

“Our extensive four-year investigation has helped identify subversion of the doping control process and sends a clear message that World Rugby takes all anti-doping matters extremely seriously and is an unwavering champion of clean sport.”