Former Georgia captain Merab Sharikadze has been banned from rugby for 11 years after being caught up in a doping scandal.
The 104-cap centre, who led Georgia at the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cups, was one of seven people punished following an investigation by World Rugby.
The governing body confirmed the bans in May 2026 after discovering that players had been swapping urine samples during drug tests.
Sharikadze admitted supplying clean urine samples to three of his international teammates.
Seven individuals handed lengthy bans
The investigation resulted in six players and a team doctor receiving suspensions.
According to World Rugby's official announcement, the full list of sanctions was:
- Merab Sharikadze: 11 years
- Dr Nutsa Shamatava: Nine years
- Giorgi Chkoidze: Six years
- Lasha Khmaladze: Three years
- Miriani Modebadze: Three years
- Otar Lashkhi: Three years
- Lasha Lomidze: Nine months
The investigation revealed that players had swapped urine samples to avoid potential positive tests.
However, World Rugby found no evidence that the scheme was designed to conceal performance-enhancing drugs.
Instead, investigators uncovered credible evidence suggesting the substitutions were intended to hide cannabis and tramadol use.
The Georgia Rugby Union also accepted a misconduct charge and financial penalty.
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Former captain switches sports
Sharikadze, who famously captained Georgia to victory over Wales in Cardiff in 2022, has since moved into mixed martial arts.
The former international made a winning MMA debut in 2026, beginning a new chapter after leaving rugby behind.
His 11-year suspension effectively ends any prospect of returning to professional rugby.
For a player who once led his country on the World Cup stage, it represents a remarkable fall from grace.
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