Georgia’s head rugby coach Levan Maisashvili has been moved to one of South Africa’s “top-level clinics” after suffering “serious lung damage” from Covid-19 during the team’s tour of SA.

According to the Associated Press, Georgia Rugby Union said that Maisashvili had been placed on a ventilator.

Georgia were defeated 40-9 in the first Test against the Springboks on 2 July, but the second clash was cancelled after Covid-19 outbreaks in both the Georgia and Bok camps.

Maisashvili’s condition has led to him being put on “artificial respiration”.

“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:

“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.