Full Breakdown
Georgia Rugby Doping Scandal: Operation Obsidian and 11-Year Ban
5/12/2026, 10:40:38 PM
Scandal and Sanctions
World Rugby and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) concluded a joint investigation that uncovered a scheme in which Georgian national-team players swapped urine samples to avoid detection of recreational drugs. The probe identified five sample-substitution instances dating to 2019. As a result, former captain Merab Sharikadze received an 11-year ban, the longest sanction. Giorgi Chkoidze was banned for six years; Lasha Khmaladze, Otar Lashkhi and Miriani Modebadze each received three-year bans; Lasha Lomidze received a nine-month suspension. Doctor Nutsa Shamatava was handed a nine-year suspension.
Background
The investigation, dubbed “Operation Obsidian,” began after World Rugby’s athlete-passport programme flagged irregularities in urine samples collected before the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. WADA’s review confirmed that Georgia’s national anti-doping authority warned players of upcoming tests, allowing the doctor to circulate the information via a group chat. The scheme was designed, according to World Rugby, to conceal recreational drug use.
Key Figures
- Merab Sharikadze – former captain, 104 caps (source 2) or 105 caps (source 3), aged 30 (source 1) or 32 (source 2).
- Giorgi Chkoidze (six-year ban); Lasha Khmaladze, Otar Lashkhi, Miriani Modebadze (three-year bans each); Lasha Lomidze (nine-month ban).
- Nutsa Shamatava – former chief medical officer, nine-year ban.
- World Rugby and WADA – investigators.
Sanctions
- Six players sanctioned; bans range from 11 years to nine months.
- Five sample-substitution incidents, 2019-2023.
- Georgia finished bottom of its pool at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, with one draw (vs Portugal) and three losses.
- Discrepancies: Sharikadze’s caps (104 vs 105) and age (30 vs 32).
Official Responses
World Rugby said the investigation was triggered by irregularities in the athlete-passport system and that the sample-substitution ploy aimed to hide recreational drug use. WADA confirmed national anti-doping officials gave advance notice of testing to players. Both organisations said the sanctions reflect the breach’s seriousness and serve as a deterrent.
Conflicts & Gaps
Sources differ on Sharikadze’s career statistics, indicating uncertainty about his exact number of caps and age at sanction. Details on the operational mechanics of the tip-off system and the identities of any additional participants remain undisclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The investigation was triggered when irregularities in urine samples were identified by World Rugby's athlete passport management programme, covering an extended period of time prior to the men's Rugby World Cup 2023 in France,” — World Rugby.
- “World Rugby has handed down an 11-year ban to former Georgia captain Merab Sharikadze for orchestrated doping offences.” — World Rugby.
- “orchestrated scheme involving recreational drugs and sample substitution” — World Rugby.
- “Operation Obsidian” — World Rugby.
Future
Georgia is scheduled to host the Junior World Championship from 27 June to 18 July 2024. The sanctions and associated scrutiny are expected to influence the nation’s preparation for the tournament and its broader anti-doping compliance efforts.
