Ex-Georgia captain Sharikadze banned for 11 years

Ex-Georgia Rugby Captain Sharikadze Suspended for 11 Years Over Doping Scandal

Ex Georgia captain Sharikadze banned for 11 – Merab Sharikadze, the former captain of Georgia’s national rugby team, has been suspended from all competitive rugby activities for a period of 11 years following his involvement in a covert doping scheme. The scandal, which emerged after a thorough investigation by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), revealed that Sharikadze played a key role in facilitating the use of performance-enhancing substances by his teammates during the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. This marks a significant blow to the team’s reputation and highlights the systemic nature of the cheating operation.

Players Involved in the Doping Scheme

In addition to Sharikadze, four other Georgia players faced disciplinary action. Hooker Giorgi Chkoidze received a six-year ban, while Lasha Khmaladze, Otar Lashkhi, and Miriani Modebadze were each suspended for three years. Lasha Lomidze, a back-row player with brief stints in England, was fined for nine months. The punishments reflect the varying degrees of involvement in the scheme, which was designed to ensure players could pass anti-doping tests without detection.

World Rugby announced the findings, stating that anomalies in samples from the Georgia team raised suspicions before the 2023 tournament. The investigation uncovered a coordinated effort to manipulate testing procedures, with the national testing authority acting as a key informant. This information was relayed to team doctor Nutsa Shamatava, who then shared it via a group chat with the squad. The system allowed players to prepare for tests by knowing which samples would be collected, enabling them to swap or alter urine samples to conceal their drug use.

Sharikadze’s Role in the Scheme

Sharikadze, who had captained Georgia to a notable victory over Wales in Cardiff during the 2022 Six Nations, admitted to providing ‘clean’ urine to his teammates. This confession was critical in exposing the conspiracy, as it demonstrated his active participation in the plan. The WADA probe found that the sample substitution scheme spanned multiple instances, with Sharikadze and five other players involved in the act. These incidents, dating back to 2019, were identified through retesting of historical samples supplied by World Rugby.

“I knew the plan would help us pass the tests,” Sharikadze stated in a recent interview, reflecting on his role in the scheme.

The discovery of the scheme came after WADA flagged irregularities in the team’s sample data. These anomalies prompted further scrutiny, leading to the identification of a deliberate strategy to evade detection. The process involved not only the testing authority but also the team doctor, who played a central role in communicating the schedule to the players. This collaboration ensured that the team could systematically manipulate test results, undermining the integrity of the competition.

Performance in the 2023 World Cup

During the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Sharikadze participated in three of Georgia’s pool matches, contributing to the team’s overall performance. However, the doping scandal cast a shadow over their results, as the team finished at the bottom of their group. The first match against Australia, held at the Stade de France, ended in a loss, with Modebadze playing a pivotal role before being replaced due to an injury sustained in a warm-up game. Chkoidze, meanwhile, withdrew from the tournament shortly before its start, citing a minor injury that had been incurred during pre-competition preparations.

Khmaladze started in the defeat by Wales in Nantes, a match that underscored Georgia’s struggles in the tournament. Lomidze, who had previously played for London Irish and Doncaster in England, was not part of the squad for the World Cup, though his involvement in the doping scheme was later confirmed. The entire team’s performance was affected by the knowledge that some players had been given an unfair advantage, which may have influenced their mindset and approach during matches.

World Rugby’s findings indicate that the sample substitution plan was specifically designed to cover up the use of recreational drugs. The governing body’s analysis of historical samples revealed five instances of substitution, all linked to Sharikadze and his teammates. This suggests a long-term strategy to maintain a competitive edge, with the doping scheme operating under the radar for over three years. The revelation has sparked debates about the effectiveness of anti-doping measures and the need for stricter oversight in international rugby.

Sharikadze’s Career Transition

After his suspension, Sharikadze, the most prominent figure among the affected players, decided to retire from rugby at the age of 30. He transitioned to a new sport, MMA, where he made his debut in November 2025. This move symbolizes a shift from the rugby field to the world of combat sports, where his experience and physical training could be leveraged. The success of his debut bout highlights the potential for Sharikadze to rebuild his career in a different arena.

The doping scandal has had lasting effects on Georgia’s national team, not only in terms of penalties but also in terms of public perception. The team’s performance in the 2023 World Cup, marked by three losses and one draw, has been scrutinized in light of the scheme. While the team’s results were disappointing, the underlying issue of doping has raised questions about the fairness of their achievements and the role of internal communication in facilitating the offense.

World Rugby has emphasized the importance of maintaining a level playing field, stating that the scheme was a deliberate attempt to deceive the anti-doping system. The investigation into Georgia’s national testing authority has led to calls for reform, as it was found to have been complicit in the doping operation. This highlights the need for transparency and accountability within sports organizations, ensuring that no player can exploit the system without consequences.

Podcast on Sport’s Strangest Crimes

For further insights into doping scandals and other unusual incidents in sports, listeners can explore the “Sport’s Strangest Crimes – Bloodgate” podcast. This series delves into the complexities of cheating in sports, including the Georgia case, and provides a detailed analysis of how such schemes are uncovered and their impact on athletes and teams.

Georgia players sanctioned over doping violations Listen: Sport’s Strangest Crimes – Bloodgate Listen to the latest Rugby Union Weekly podcast