Levan Maisashvili

The Georgia Rugby Union has issued an update on the health condition of Lelos head coach Levan Maisashvili who remains in a Johannesburg hospital after testing positive for Covid-19 last month. Photo: Getty Images

Georgia coach in ‘severe’ condition on respirator in Johannesburg hospital

Georgia head coach Levan Maisashvili is in a “severe” condition in a Johannesburg hospital after testing positive for Covid-19.

Levan Maisashvili

The Georgia Rugby Union has issued an update on the health condition of Lelos head coach Levan Maisashvili who remains in a Johannesburg hospital after testing positive for Covid-19 last month. Photo: Getty Images

Georgia head coach Levan Maisashvili is in a “severe” condition in a Johannesburg hospital after testing positive for Covid-19, the Georgia Rugby Union confirmed on Saturday.

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Maisashvili and five other members of the Georgia squad tested positive shortly after the first Test against the Springboks in Pretoria on July 2, leading to the cancellation of the second Test in Johannesburg as well as a planned July 17 game in Tbilisi against Scotland.

“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,” Georgia Rugby said in a statement.

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“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.”