Rugby World Cup star handed staggering 11-year ban from the sport
Rugby NewsSunday, 16 August 2026 at 07:32
Former Georgia captain and Rugby World Cup star Merab Sharikadze has been handed a staggering 11-year ban from rugby following a major anti-doping investigation.
The centre, who won more than 100 caps for Georgia and featured at three Rugby World Cups, received the heaviest punishment of six players sanctioned following an investigation into a urine-sample substitution scheme.
Join RUCK’s Instagram broadcast channel and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.
Sharikadze represented the Lelos at the 2015, 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cups, captaining his country at the latter two tournaments.
His mammoth suspension immediately puts him among the longest bans ever handed out in rugby.
However, the former Georgia skipper isn't No.1.
From biting and eye-gouging to Bloodgate and some truly shocking acts of violence, rugby has produced some enormous suspensions over the years.
RUCK takes a look at the longest bans in rugby history, ranked from 10 to 1.
#10. Johan Le Roux – 18 months
Former Springbok prop Johan le Roux was handed an 18-month suspension after biting the ear of All Blacks captain Sean Fitzpatrick during a Test in Wellington in 1994.
The incident effectively ended his international career.
#9. Richard Nones – 2 years
Colomiers prop Richard Nones received a two-year suspension following an eye-gouging incident against Pontypridd during the 1999 Heineken Cup.
His appeal against the punishment was later rejected.
#8. Julien Caminati – 33 months
French back Julien Caminati was handed a huge suspension after spitting at a referee while playing in France.
It wasn't the only disciplinary controversy of Caminati's career, but it resulted in one of the longest bans handed out in French rugby.
#7. Bruno Andres Doglioli – 3 years
Bruno Andres Doglioli was banned for three years following a shocking incident involving referee Maria Beatrice Benvenuti during an Italian club match in 2016.
The Argentine-born player blindsided the official with a forceful hit, with the incident attracting widespread condemnation.
Don't miss out. Pick up your tickets for the next Ultimate Sevens event now!
#6. Dean Richards – 3 years
One of rugby's most infamous scandals.
Former England number eight Dean Richards received a three-year coaching ban for his role in Harlequins' notorious Bloodgate scandal.
Richards admitted orchestrating the use of fake blood to facilitate a tactical substitution during Quins' Heineken Cup quarter-final against Leinster in 2009.
#5. Merab Sharikadze – 11 years
The latest addition to the list.
Former Georgia captain Merab Sharikadze has been suspended for 11 years following an investigation into a scheme involving the substitution of urine samples.
The punishment is particularly remarkable given Sharikadze's standing within Georgian rugby.
He won more than 100 Test caps, played at three World Cups and captained his country on rugby's biggest stage.
But even an 11-year ban isn't enough to crack the top four.
#4. Cipriano Martinez – 29 years
Argentine prop Cipriano Martinez received an extraordinary punishment after footage emerged showing him kicking a grounded opponent in the head.
His club Pucara initially imposed a 99-year ban.
The Buenos Aires Rugby Union subsequently handed Martinez an official suspension of 1,508 weeks – roughly 29 years.
#3. Pablo De La Plata – Life ban
Argentine player Pablo De La Plata was banned for life following a huge brawl during a club match between Huazihul San Juan and Personal Bank Mendoza.
The fallout was enormous, with several other players receiving lengthy suspensions.
De La Plata received the ultimate punishment: a lifetime ban from the sport.
#2. Michel Palmie – Life ban
Former France international Michel Palmie built a fearsome reputation during the 1970s.
The giant forward was eventually handed a lifetime ban after punching Racing Club player Armand Clerc during a match in 1978.
Clerc reportedly suffered a serious eye injury following the incident.
#1. Chris Jones – Life ban... twice
Chris Jones takes top spot with one of the most extraordinary disciplinary records rugby has ever seen.
The former Treorchy prop was incredibly banned from rugby for life on two separate occasions.
After eventually returning following his first lifetime suspension, further disciplinary trouble resulted in Jones receiving another life ban.
Getting banned for 11 years is extraordinary.
Getting banned for life twice takes some beating.
Quiz: Name these 10 retro rugby players
From jaw-dropping tries to unforgettable moments (and yes, some questionable haircuts), these players defined a golden era of the game. If their names don’t instantly come to mind, we suggest a quick trip to YouTube to jog your memory. Trust us, it’s worth it.
Ready to test your knowledge? Let’s see if you’ve still got it. Good luck!
More Quizzes:
TRENDING
LATEST NEWS
LATEST COMMENTS
Loading