Rugby · International
World Rugby issues sanctions in Georgia sample-substitution case
Six players and a doctor received suspensions; the union accepted a separate misconduct sanction.
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World Rugby announced suspensions on 12 May 2026 following an investigation into urine-sample substitution before the 2023 men’s Rugby World Cup. The prohibited practice was investigated with WADA using targeted testing, DNA analysis and stored historical samples.
Merab Sharikadze received an 11-year suspension and Giorgi Chkoidze six years. Lasha Khmaladze, Miriani Modebadze and Otar Lashkhi each received three years, while Lasha Lomidze received nine months. Dr Nutsa Shamatava was suspended for nine years. The periods included provisional suspensions and barred all rugby activity.
The investigation found no evidence supporting its initial hypothesis that the substitutions concealed performance-enhancing substances. World Rugby instead reported credible evidence consistent with concealment of cannabis and tramadol use.
An independent inquiry found no grounds for a Regulation 21 case against the Georgia Rugby Union itself. The union accepted a separate misconduct charge, a financial penalty and requirements to reform anti-doping education.
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