Investigation Findings
A major investigation uncovered a coordinated system within Georgia rugby linked to avoiding anti doping tests. This allowed them to plan ways to bypass detection.
The inquiry revealed that team medical staff shared test schedules through internal communication channels.
World Rugby confirmed that it carried out one of the most extensive anti doping investigations in rugby history. The governing body stated that there was no evidence pointing to performance enhancing drugs as the reason behind the actions.
Instead, evidence suggested that the motivation was to avoid detection of other substances such as cannabis and tramadol.
Players Sanctioned
Several other players also received punishments following the investigation. Lasha Khmaladze, Otar Lashkhi, and Miriani Modebadze each received three year bans.
Sharikadze had previously led Georgia to a notable victory over Wales in Cardiff in 2022 and featured in matches during the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Chkoidze missed the tournament due to injury, while other players involved appeared in different World Cup matches.
Impact on Georgian Rugby
The findings have raised serious concerns about internal processes within Georgian rugby structures. The case highlights weaknesses in communication control and testing integrity at national level.
World Rugby emphasized that stored samples and retrospective testing helped uncover repeated instances of sample substitution over several years. The governing body continues to stress stronger enforcement of anti doping compliance across international rugby.
