World Rugby has confirmed the full list of sanctions imposed on Georgian players involved in a major doping case that first emerged two months ago, with punishments ranging from nine months to an extraordinary 11-year suspension.
The governing body, working alongside the World Anti-Doping Agency, released the names and disciplinary outcomes of those found to have committed anti-doping rule violations, which included “use or attempted use of a prohibited method, falsification or attempted falsification, and complicity.”
The case has 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)
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
