The Georgian Rugby Union has confirmed reports issued by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) regarding anti-doping rule violations by Georgian rugby players. "We have received strict instructions from WADA that, in order to ensure a full and impartial investigation and adhere to established procedures, we must refrain from public commentary and the disclosure of details until the process is completed. Adherence to this protocol is the reason we have not made any statements until now," the Rugby Union said in a statement.

A joint investigation by WADA and World Rugby found that six players from the Georgian national rugby team and one member of the support staff violated anti-doping rules. A statement released on March 13 noted that WADA has lost confidence in the Georgian Anti-Doping Agency (GADA) as a result. "We recognize that these facts seriously damage the reputation of Georgian rugby. We have already initiated intensive efforts and taken strict measures to prevent similar incidents. We are doing everything possible to ensure such incidents do not recur," the Georgian Rugby Union stated.

Operation Obsidian, launched in 2023, investigated allegations that players had swapped urine samples in clear violation of the rules – as sample swapping is strictly prohibited. The investigation report identified five cases of sample swapping and also established that Georgian rugby team players were warned in advance about doping tests by employees of the Georgian Anti-Doping Agency (GADA). According to the investigation, doping control officers did not observe the process, "which constitutes a clear violation of the rules."

World Anti-Doping Agency President Witold Bańka stated that the events within Georgian rugby are outrageous and shocking not only for Georgian sport and the government, but also for world rugby. According to the Rugby Union, the players found to have committed violations will no longer play or work in the rugby-15 format as of the 2023/24 season.