Six Georgian rugby internationals face lengthy suspensions after a World Rugby probe exposed a urine‑swap scheme aimed at dodging anti‑doping tests ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Former captain Merab Sharikadze received an 11‑year ban, while nine other players earned six, three, or nine‑month suspensions.

World Rugby described the investigation as the sport’s largest doping inquiry, noting irregularities in samples but finding no evidence of performance‑enhancing substances. The scandal involved the national team’s doctor, Nutsa Shamatava, who was handed a nine‑year ban for warning players in advance of out‑of‑competition tests.

The six players—Giorgi Chkoidze, Lasha Khmaladze, Otar Lashkhi, Miriani Modebadze, and Lasha Lomidze—were suspended for six, three, three, three, and nine months respectively, after evidence showed they swapped samples to conceal cannabis and tramadol. The Georgia Rugby Union accepted a misconduct charge and agreed to an undisclosed fine.

World Rugby will enforce a roadmap of reforms in Georgia’s anti‑doping education to prevent future breaches. The bans strip the national side of key talent ahead of upcoming international fixtures, reshaping squad options and testing the depth of Georgian rugby at the highest level.