Georgia Rugby issue statement: 'Serious blow' to reputation

Georgia Rugby have issued a statement ten days after it was revealed that a number of their players were charged with doping violations.

World Rugby confirmed six Georgia internationals and a staff member committed anti-doping violations before the 2023 Rugby World Cup, involving recreational drugs and an organised scheme to substitute urine samples.

Irregularities detected through the athlete passport programme prompted a joint World Rugby–WADA investigation using targeted tests and historical DNA analysis.

Five players have already been sanctioned, with appeals ongoing. Officials stressed there’s no indication the World Cup was compromised and reiterated their commitment to clean sport.

Now the union have responded, admitting it has damaged their reputation.

The Georgia Rugby statement reads: “Georgia Rugby Union responds to information released by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and World Rugby, which indicates that several anti-doping rule violations involving the Georgia 15s team during an extended period of time prior to Men’s Rugby World Cup 2023 in France.

“We fully acknowledge the seriousness of these matters. In response to questions from supporters, we confirm that the individuals involved have not been members of the national team since the 2023/24 season. It should be noted that since that time no current national team player or Georgian rugby player has been identified or charged with an anti-doping rule violation.

“From the outset of the process, Georgia Rugby Union has cooperated fully and transparently with WADA and World Rugby. We were given strict instructions by these bodies to refrain from public comment and disclosure of details until the investigation could be conducted thoroughly, impartially and in accordance with the applicable procedures. It was in observance of this protocol that we withheld comment until now.

“We recognise that these events have inflicted a serious blow to the reputation of Georgian rugby. We have launched intensive work and implemented stringent measures to prevent similar incidents – we are doing everything in our power to ensure such violations do not recur in rugby.

“Following the conclusion of the disciplinary process, we will hold a press conference and respond to media and public inquiries.”

It’s been a difficult period for Georgia, who lost their Rugby Europe Championship final against Portugal just two days after the scandal emerged.