Georgia’s Merab Sharikadze gets 11-year ban for role in urine-swapping rugby doping scandal

The Guardian is reporting 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 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...

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