Former Georgia captain Merab Sharikadze was one of six players handed lengthy bans from rugby for their part in a scheme involving alleged sample substitution and advance warnings of drug tests.
Former captain, 32, won more than 100 caps for GeorgiaWorld Rugby found evidence of urine sample swapsThe 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 upcoming 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. Continue reading...
Former captain, 32, won more than 100 caps for GeorgiaWorld Rugby found evidence of urine sample swapsThe 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. Continue reading...
Former Georgia captain Merab Sharikadze is banned for 11 years for violating anti-doping rules, with five team-mates handed suspensions of up to six years.
Former Georgia rugby captain Merab Sharikadze and five other players have received lengthy bans for a systematic anti-doping scheme involving sample substitution to hide recreational drug use.
