# Rugby: The game was plunged in controversy in Georgia when former captain Merab Sharikadze was banned for 11 years for helping teammates cheat in anti-doping tests. World Rugby also banned another five players and team doctor Nutsa Shamatava for up to nine years. A parallel investigation was launched alongside the World Anti-doping Agency after irregularities were found in urine samples. It was found Sharikadze provided clean urine samples to three teammates for a period before the 2023 World Cup. Shamatava informed players of upcoming doping tests in advance.
Rugby: Georgia’s former captain banned for 11 years for role in doping scandal