sports
Georgia’s Merab Sharikadze gets 11-year ban for role in urine-swapping rugby doping scandal
Former captain, 32, won more than 100 caps for Georgia
TL;DR
- Six Georgian men's rugby players and a medical official have received lengthy bans due to an anti-doping investigation.
- Former captain Merab Sharikadze was banned for 11 years for his role in urine swapping.
- The investigation uncovered evidence of urine sample substitutions and advance warning of drug tests.
- Former chief medical officer Nutsa Shamatava received a nine-year ban.
- The Georgian Rugby Union faces misconduct charges and must enhance anti-doping programs.
- Georgia's participation in future tournaments remains unaffected.