Georgia's head rugby coach Levan Maisashvili is in hospital after suffering "serious lung damage" from Covid-19 during the team’s tour of South Africa.
According to the Associated Press, Georgia Rugby Union said that Maisashvili had been placed on a ventilator.
Maisashvili was one of several members of the Georgia touring party who returned positive Covid tests after their Test against South Africa at the start of July.
His condition has led to the coach being put on “artificial respiration”.
Georgia Rugby said in a statement: “We got several Covid cases just after the match in Pretoria, including Georgia’s head coach Levan Maisashvili, who is currently hospitalised with serious lung damage and is on artificial respiration.
“Everything is being done to improve Levan Maisashvili’s condition.
"He has been moved to one of South Africa’s top-level clinics, which is equipped with the most up-to-date medical equipment to manage Covid patients.
“The rest of the team has already returned to Georgia while Levan and the team doctor will stay in South Africa for as long as needed.
"Five more Covid-positive team members are finishing their recovery and will leave for Georgia on Sunday.”
The Union’s spokeswoman Tatia Beriashvili confirmed that Maisashvili had not been vaccinated against Covid-19.
Georgia were due to play South Africa again a week later after their first Test - however the positive cases saw that match, as well as Georgia's proposed clash with Scotland this weekend, called off.
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