Rugby Players from Georgia Banned for Cheating

May 12, 2026, 15:38
EuropeSports

Introduction

World Rugby and WADA stopped six players and one doctor from the Georgia team. These people cheated on drug tests.

Main Body

The players changed their urine samples to hide drugs. A doctor told the players when the tests were coming. They did this between 2019 and 2023. Some people have long bans. Merab Sharikadze cannot play for 11 years. Dr. Shamatava cannot work for 9 years. Other players have shorter bans. The Georgia Rugby Union must pay money. They must also teach players about the rules. Georgia can still play in the World Cup in Australia.

Conclusion

Many famous players are now gone from the sport. The Georgia Rugby Union must change its rules.

Learning

🕒 Talking about Time & Limits

In this story, we see how to say how long something lasts or when it happens. For a beginner, these are the most useful patterns:

1. The 'For' Rule (Duration) When we talk about a length of time, we use for.

  • Cannot play for 11 years.
  • Cannot work for 9 years.

2. The 'Between' Rule (Time Range) When something happens from a start date to an end date, we use between... and....

  • They did this between 2019 and 2023.

3. Quick Word Swap Instead of saying "very long time," the text uses specific numbers. This makes your English sound more professional and clear.

  • Weak: He is banned for a long time. →\rightarrow Strong: He is banned for 11 years.

Vocabulary Learning

players (n.)
People who play a game or sport.
Example:The players practiced every day.
world
the earth or all people
Example:The world is very big.
doctor (n.)
A person who treats sickness and helps people stay healthy.
Example:The doctor gave the players advice.
rugby
a sport played with an oval ball
Example:He loves to play rugby.
team (n.)
A group of people who work together or compete together.
Example:The Georgia team won the match.
players
people who play a game
Example:The players practiced hard.
test (n.)
An examination to check knowledge or something.
Example:The players took a drug test.
team
a group of people who play together
Example:The team won the match.
drug (n.)
Medicine that can help or hurt the body.
Example:The test looked for illegal drugs.
drug
medicine or a substance that can affect the body
Example:The doctor warned about the drug.
sample (n.)
A small part taken from something to check it.
Example:The urine sample was examined.
tests
examinations to check something
Example:The tests were difficult.
hide (v.)
To keep something from being seen.
Example:They tried to hide the drugs.
change
to make something different
Example:They decided to change the plan.
money (n.)
Cash or coins that people use to buy things.
Example:The union must pay money to the authorities.
money
currency used to buy things
Example:She saved her money for a trip.
rules (n.)
Instructions that tell people how to behave.
Example:Players must follow the rules.
rules
guidelines that say what is allowed
Example:The rules must be followed.
play
to participate in a game
Example:He likes to play football.
play (v.)
To do a sport or game.
Example:The team will play in the World Cup.
cup
a competition or trophy
Example:They competed for the cup.
cup (n.)
A large container, also used for a sports competition.
Example:The World Cup is a big event.
sport (n.)
An activity that involves physical effort and skill.
Example:Rugby is a popular sport.
sport
an activity that requires physical effort
Example:Tennis is a popular sport.
ban (n.)
A prohibition that stops someone from doing something.
Example:The player received a ban for cheating.
cheat
to act dishonestly to win
Example:He tried to cheat on the exam.
long (adj.)
Lasting for a long time.
Example:The ban was long, lasting 11 years.
hide
to keep something secret or out of sight
Example:She hid the letter in her bag.
short (adj.)
Lasting for a short time.
Example:Some bans are short, only a few years.
between
in the middle of two things
Example:The event is between 2019 and 2023.