EX-GEORGIA rugby captain Merab Sharikadze has been banned from all sport for 11 YEARS.
The hefty sanction was handed down after “the most extensive investigation ever undertaken” in the sport, according to World Rugby.
Merab Sharikadze has been banned from all sport for 11 years Credit: Alamy
Sharikadze earned over 100 caps for Georgia Credit: Getty
Sharikadze was found to have helped team-mates cheat anti-doping tests by providing them with clean urine samples.
A probe led by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) uncovered a secret scheme involving multiple players and high-profile figures.
WADA concluded that ‘s national testing authority would tip off team doctor Nutsa Shamatava about upcoming tests.
Shamatava would then share that information with the team and arrange sample exchanges, landing her a nine-year suspension.
Ex-Georgia player Giorgi Chkoidze received a six-year ban for anti-doping rules violations with Lasha Khmaladze, Otar Lashkhi and Miriani Modebadze each being banned for three years, and Lasha Lomidze suspended for nine months.
Sharikadze was given the longest ban as the common denominator in multiple instances of sample swapping, and due to his position of responsibility as team captain.
Investigators could not prove that the purpose of the scheme was to mask performance-enhancing .
However, there was “credible evidence” to support players trying to conceal non-performance-enhancing drugs such as and tramadol.
Sharikadze began a brief stint in MMA after retiring from rugby Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Sharikadze racked up 104 caps for Georgia and in 2022 led them to a famous win over Wales in .
The former Aurillac centre retired from rugby shortly after the 2023 Rugby World Cup and made his debut in 2025. But his venture into the octagon will be cut short as his suspension covers all sport.
World Rugby chief 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.”
WADA president Witold Banka added: “The suspensions these individuals have received are significant and send a strong message to others who may be tempted to try and cheat the system.
“We and our anti-doping partners will continue to defend the integrity of sport by conducting diligent investigations and prosecuting violations.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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