World Rugby make decision on chucking Georgia out of the 2027 Rugby World Cup

Saturday, 23 May 2026 at 08:46

bySteven Smith

World Rugby has confirmed the full list of sanctions handed to Georgian players and staff involved in a major anti-doping scandal, as the governing body also made a decision on Georgia’s Rugby World Cup future despite punishments ranging from nine months to an extraordinary 11-year ban.

Working alongside the World Anti-Doping Agency, World Rugby revealed the disciplinary outcomes for those found guilty of multiple anti-doping rule violations, including sample tampering, falsification, complicity and the use or attempted use of prohibited methods.

The case sent shockwaves through Georgian rugby, with several high-profile internationals included among those sanctioned.

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The most severe punishment was handed to former Georgia captain Merab Sharikadze, who earned 104 caps and led his country at two Rugby World Cups. Sharikadze received an 11-year ban for multiple violations, including complicity and attempted falsification.

Sharikadze, once one of Georgia’s most respected players, made his senior debut at just 18 against Spain in 2012 and went on to become a central figure in the national side. He captained Georgia at both the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cups.

In a November 2025 interview with Setanta Sports Georgia, he had already revealed he was serving a six-year ban linked to providing his urine for other players’ tests, which has now been extended following the latest ruling.

Other sanctions include:

Lasha Lomidze – 9-month suspension (prohibited method, falsification)
Miriani Modebadze – 3-year suspension (prohibited method, falsification)
Otar Lashkhi – 3-year suspension (prohibited method, falsification)
Lasha Khmaladze – 3-year suspension (prohibited method, falsification, complicity)
Giorgi Chkoidze – 6-year suspension (prohibited method, falsification)
Nutsa Shamatava – 9-year suspension (forgery, complicity)
Merab Sharikadze – 11-year suspension (multiple violations including complicity)

Will Georgia be chucked out the Rugby World Cup?

Despite the scale of the sanctions, World Rugby has not moved to suspend Georgia from international competition or the Rugby World Cup, instead opting for individual punishments and increased monitoring of the national union.

The decision suggests a firm stance on player accountability while avoiding collective sanctions that would impact the wider squad and future tournament participation.

Rugby World Cup 2027 Full Draw: England and Wales meet again

The expanded 24-team tournament will be played across Australia from 1 October 2027, with six pools of four teams and a new round-of-16 knockout phase.

With fixtures and venues now confirmed by World Rugby, attention quickly turns to how each group will unfold.

Pool A — New Zealand, Australia (H), Chile, Hong Kong China

Group summary

Pool A features tournament hosts Australia and three-time champions New Zealand, making it one of the headline groups of the opening phase. Chile and Hong Kong China will be targeting historic results, while the trans-Tasman clash between Australia and New Zealand is expected to be one of the most watched pool matches of the tournament.

Fixtures

1 October 2027 — Australia vs Hong Kong China
Perth Stadium, Perth
2 October 2027 — New Zealand vs Chile
Perth Stadium, Perth
9 October 2027 — New Zealand vs Australia
Stadium Australia, Sydney
9 October 2027 — Chile vs Hong Kong China
North Queensland Stadium, Townsville
15 October 2027 — New Zealand vs Hong Kong China
Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
16 October 2027 — Australia vs Chile
Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane

Pool B — South Africa, Italy, Georgia, Romania

Group summary

Defending champions South Africa headline Pool B and begin their campaign against Italy. Georgia continue to establish themselves as a consistent World Cup presence, while Romania return aiming to challenge for third place and possible qualification via rankings.

Fixtures

3 October 2027 — South Africa vs Italy
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
3 October 2027 — Georgia vs Romania
North Queensland Stadium, Townsville
10 October 2027 — South Africa vs Georgia
Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
11 October 2027 — Italy vs Romania
Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
17 October 2027 — Italy vs Georgia
Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle
17 October 2027 — South Africa vs Romania
Perth Stadium, Perth

Pool C — Argentina, Fiji, Spain, Canada

Group summary

Pool C blends South American consistency with Pacific flair. Argentina enter as favourites, while Fiji’s attacking threat makes them dangerous opponents for any side. Spain return to the World Cup looking to make an impact, and Canada continue their rebuilding process.

Fixtures

3 October 2027 — Argentina vs Canada
Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
4 October 2027 — Fiji vs Spain
Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle
10 October 2027 — Fiji vs Canada
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
10 October 2027 — Argentina vs Spain
Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
16 October 2027 — Argentina vs Fiji
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
17 October 2027 — Spain vs Canada
North Queensland Stadium, Townsville

Pool D — Ireland, Scotland, Uruguay, Portugal

Group summary

Ireland and Scotland lead Pool D in what shapes as a tightly contested group. Uruguay and Portugal bring speed and tactical variety, with qualification likely to be decided by fine margins, discipline, and bonus points.

Fixtures

3 October 2027 — Scotland vs Uruguay
Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
4 October 2027 — Ireland vs Portugal
Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
10 October 2027 — Ireland vs Scotland
Perth Stadium, Perth
11 October 2027 — Uruguay vs Portugal
Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle
17 October 2027 — Ireland vs Uruguay
Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
17 October 2027 — Scotland vs Portugal
Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane

Pool E — France, Japan, United States, Samoa

Group summary

France headline Pool E after reaching the previous final, with Japan expected to challenge strongly for second place. Samoa and the United States provide physicality and athleticism, making this one of the more unpredictable groups.

Fixtures

2 October 2027 — France vs United States
Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
3 October 2027 — Japan vs Samoa
Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle
9 October 2027 — United States vs Samoa
Perth Stadium, Perth
9 October 2027 — France vs Japan
Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
15 October 2027 — Japan vs United States
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
17 October 2027 — France vs Samoa
Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney

Pool F — England, Wales, Tonga, Zimbabwe

Group summary

Pool F is defined by the renewed rivalry between England and Wales, who will meet in one of the final pool fixtures in Sydney. Tonga’s physical style and Zimbabwe’s return to the World Cup add further intrigue, with third place potentially enough to reach the knockout stage depending on rankings.