Join RUCK\u2019s Instagram broadcast channel <\/a>and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.<\/p>\nThe sport\u2019s governing body released the names of the Georgian players who tested positive for doping, along with the sanctions they received.<\/p>\n
The most severe punishment was given to former Georgian captain Merab Sharikadze, who earned 104 caps and was suspended for \u201cuse or attempted use of a prohibited method, falsification or attempted falsification, complicity or attempted complicity.\u201d<\/p>\n
The former centre had turned to martial arts following his retirement.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
He went on to feature 104 times for his country, appearing at three World Cups and captaining Georgia for the 2019 and 2023 editions.<\/p>\n
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\u2019 tests, which has since been extended for this latest punishment.<\/p>\n
The full list of sanctions and their associated punishments are:<\/p>\n
Lasha Lomidze \u2013 9-month suspension \u2013 Use or attempted use of a prohibited method, falsification or attempted falsification<\/p>\n
Miriani Modebadze \u2013 3-year suspension \u2013 Use or attempted use of a prohibited method, falsification or attempted falsification<\/p>\n
Otar Lashkhi \u2013 3-year suspension \u2013 Use or attempted use of a prohibited method, falsification or attempted falsification<\/p>\n
Lasha Khmaladze \u2013 3-year suspension \u2013 Use or attempted use of a prohibited method, falsification or attempted falsification, complicity or attempted complicity<\/p>\n
Giorgi Chkoidze \u2013 6-year suspension \u2013 Use or attempted use of a prohibited method, falsification or attempted falsification<\/p>\n
Nutsa Shamatava \u2013 9-year suspension \u2013 Forgery or attempted forgery, complicity or attempted complicity<\/p>\n
Merab Sharikadze \u2013 11-year suspension \u2013 Use or attempted use of a prohibited method, falsification or attempted falsification, complicity or attempted complicity<\/p>\n
LATEST RUGBY NEWS<\/p>\n
Five countries banned from competing in Rugby World Cups<\/p>\n
From political sanctions to passport scandals, here are\u00a0three countries that have been banned from competing in the Rugby World Cup \u2014 and why.<\/p>\n
\ud83c\uddff\ud83c\udde6\u00a0#1. South Africa \u2014 Banned from 1987 & 1991 Rugby World Cups<\/p>\n
At the height of apartheid, South Africa was a global pariah \u2014 and rugby was no exception.<\/p>\n
Due to its institutionalised system of racial segregation, the\u00a0Springboks were barred from all international competition\u00a0by the International Rugby Board (now World Rugby). As a result, they\u00a0missed both the inaugural 1987 Rugby World Cup\u00a0and the 1991 edition.<\/p>\n
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\u00a0hosted and won the 1995 Rugby World Cup, led by captain Fran\u00e7ois Pienaar and inspired by a unifying handshake from then-president\u00a0Nelson Mandela.<\/p>\n
\ud83c\udfc6\u00a0That victory remains one of the most iconic moments in sports history \u2014 a symbol of reconciliation in post-apartheid South Africa.<\/p>\n
CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t