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
World Rugby found evidence of urine sample swaps

The biggest anti-doping investigation in World Rugby’s history has resulted in six of Georgia’s men’s team and a medical official being handed lengthy bans, with their former captain Merab Sharikadze suspended for 11 years. Working alongside the World Anti-Doping Agency, evidence was uncovered of urine swapping and advance warning of drug tests being given to players.

No firm proof was uncovered of attempts to mask the use of performance-enhancing substances but World Rugby did find evidence that urine sample substitutions had taken place to conceal non-performance-enhancing substances such as cannabis and tramadol.