World Rugby has announced the sanctions imposed on the Georgian players involved in the doping case that first came to light two months ago, with punishments ranging from nine months to 11 years.
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The sport’s governing body released the names of the Georgian players who tested positive for doping, along with the sanctions they received.
The most severe punishment was given to former Georgian captain Merab Sharikadze, who earned 104 caps and was suspended for “use or attempted use of a prohibited method, falsification or attempted falsification, complicity or attempted complicity.”
The former centre had turned to martial arts following his retirement.
In 2011, through a partnership between the Georgia Rugby Union and Hartpury College, Sharikadze moved to England to study and play for Hartpury College R.F.C. His impressive performances led to a call up for Gloucester U19.
That same year, he was appointed captain of Georgia U19. He made his senior international debut against Spain on 21 February 2012 at just 18 years old, becoming the seventh youngest player ever capped by Georgia.
He went on to feature 104 times for his country, appearing at three World Cups and captaining Georgia for the 2019 and 2023 editions.
In an interview with Setanta Sports Georgia in November 2025, Sharikadze disclosed that he had received a six-year ban in December 2024 for an anti-doping rule violation connected to providing his urine for other players’ tests, which has since been extended for this latest punishment.
The full list of sanctions and their associated punishments are:
- Lasha Lomidze – 9-month suspension – Use or attempted use of a prohibited method, falsification or attempted falsification
- Miriani Modebadze – 3-year suspension – Use or attempted use of a prohibited method, falsification or attempted falsification
- Otar Lashkhi – 3-year suspension – Use or attempted use of a prohibited method, falsification or attempted falsification
- Lasha Khmaladze – 3-year suspension – Use or attempted use of a prohibited method, falsification or attempted falsification, complicity or attempted complicity
- Giorgi Chkoidze – 6-year suspension – Use or attempted use of a prohibited method, falsification or attempted falsification
- Nutsa Shamatava – 9-year suspension – Forgery or attempted forgery, complicity or attempted complicity
- Merab Sharikadze – 11-year suspension – Use or attempted use of a prohibited method, falsification or attempted falsification, complicity or attempted complicity
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Five countries banned from competing in Rugby World Cups
From political sanctions to passport scandals, here are three countries that have been banned from competing in the Rugby World Cup — and why.
🇿🇦 #1. South Africa — Banned from 1987 & 1991 Rugby World Cups
At the height of apartheid, South Africa was a global pariah — and rugby was no exception.
Due to its institutionalised system of racial segregation, the Springboks were barred from all international competition by the International Rugby Board (now World Rugby). As a result, they missed both the inaugural 1987 Rugby World Cup and the 1991 edition.
However, following the dismantling of apartheid laws and democratic reforms in the early 1990s, South Africa was readmitted to international rugby in 1992. Just three years later, the nation famously hosted and won the 1995 Rugby World Cup, led by captain François Pienaar and inspired by a unifying handshake from then-president Nelson Mandela.
🏆 That victory remains one of the most iconic moments in sports history — a symbol of reconciliation in post-apartheid South Africa.
