Sport24.az
Georgian rugby players have been banned for up to 11 years for tampering with doping samples. Former national team captain Merab Sharikadze received an 11-year ban for violating anti-doping rules.
In addition to the team's former doctor, Nutsa Shamatava (9 years), 5 more players were disqualified: Giorgi Chkoidze (6 years), Miriani Modebadze, Otar Lashkhi, Lasha Khmaladze (3 years each) and Lasha Lomidze (9 months).
An investigation by World Rugby and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) revealed a scheme to alter urine samples over a sustained period leading up to the 2023 World Cup. Players received advance warning from their doctors about doping tests.
In a statement to the press, World Rugby called this doping investigation the "largest" in the history of the rugby sport.
