WADA Uncovers Doping Scheme in Georgian Rugby

Georgia Rugby doping scandal, 6 Players, official sanctioned

Six Georgia rugby players and a team official sanctioned for doping and sample substitution. WADA uncovers doping scheme in Georgian rugby, calls for agency overhaul.

Georgia rugby team hit by doping scandal after investigation finds rule violations...

Six Georgia rugby players and a team official have been found guilty of anti-doping rule violations, following a joint investigation by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and World Rugby. The investigation, dubbed “Operation Obsidian,”  uncovered a scheme involving sample substitution and advance warnings of drug tests.

The probe found five instances where players allegedly swapped urine samples to avoid detection, with employees of the Georgian Anti-Doping Agency (GADA) also tipping off players about upcoming tests. WADA President Witold Banka condemned the actions, stating that “what has been happening in Georgian rugby is outrageous.”

Georgia's national anti-doping agency, GADA, has been accused of tipping off players about upcoming tests, according to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). This allegation is part of a larger investigation launched in 2023, which uncovered several anti-doping rule violations.

The investigation revealed that doping control officers failed to properly observe athletes during testing and didn't witness urine collection, violating anti-doping rules. This lack of oversight allowed players to allegedly swap urine samples, with five instances of sample substitution uncovered during the probe.

“What has been happening in Georgian rugby is outrageous and will send shockwaves through Georgian sport and government, as well as the global game of rugby,” WADA President Witold Banka said in a statement.

“I want ⁠to thank WADA's independent Intelligence & Investigations team for their diligence and expertise in relentlessly pursuing this operation with determination and professionalism.

“I also praise World Rugby's commitment to uncovering the facts and ‌its willingness to work collaboratively with WADA to deliver this strong result for rugby.”

Doping Scandal Rocks Georgian Rugby

World Rugby has sanctioned six players and a team official for their involvement in an “orchestrated scheme involving recreational drugs and sample substitution.” uncovered five instances of sample substitution and revealed that employees of Georgia's national anti-doping agency, GADA, tipped off players about upcoming tests.

Big breaking news on the anti-doping front in rugby.

6 players from the Georgia team and one member of support personnel have been "charged and sanctioned in relation to an orchestrated scheme involving recreational drugs and sample substitution," says World Rugby. pic.twitter.com/bM4G0CswS0

— Murray Kinsella (@Murray_Kinsella) March 13, 2026

“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 said.

Georgia's rugby team had a tough 2023 Rugby World Cup, finishing bottom of their pool without a win.

The doping scandal has led WADA to lose confidence in Georgia's anti-doping agency, GADA. WADA President Witold Banka emphasized that “wholesale changes must now be made by the relevant authorities,” highlighting the need for reform.