Georgia

Russia out, Georgia into Rugby World Cup

Russia's invasion has led to sanctions across global sport, and Belarus, a key staging area for the offensive, has also been punished.

World Rugby, which banned Russia and Belarus on Feb. 28 and suspended the Rugby Union of Russia's membership, said that the ban meant Russia could not play its remaining World Cup qualifying matches in the 2022 European Championship.

"Therefore these matches will be treated as abandoned," World Rugby said, adding that the updated standings meant that Georgia had sealed its spot at the World Cup.

 

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South Africa's warm-up Test against Georgia cancelled

Later on Wednesday, the Lions announced two players were isolating after one of the management team tested positive.

The Lions' warm-up fixture against the Bulls on Saturday was postponed because of Covid-19 cases in the hosts' camp.

South Africa is currently battling a third wave of infections.

The Springboks have had to isolate twice in the past two weeks, with their three-Test series against the Lions taking place on consecutive weekends from 24 July.

Will Smith's slavery film Emancipation pulls out of Georgia over voting laws

In a statement issued to Deadline by Smith and director Antoine Fuqua, the pair said they felt "compelled" to act.

"We cannot in good conscience provide economic support to a government that enacts regressive voting laws that are designed to restrict voter access."

Some feel the new law will restrict voting by disadvantaged groups.

Will more film companies pull out?

Atlanta shootings: Suspect charged with murder as victims identified

Officials say it is still too early to know whether the attack, in which six Asian women were killed, was racially motivated.

Cherokee County Sheriff Frank Reynolds said the suspect may have been a patron and claimed to have a "sex addiction".

The alleged gunman has been charged with counts of murder and assault.

The attack comes amid a sharp uptick in crimes against Asian-Americans.

Georgia declares Biden winner for a third time

 A final tally announced by Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger showed that Mr Biden won the normally Republican stronghold by under 12,000 votes.

The state carried out a second recount of the 3 November vote following challenges from President Trump's team.

Mr Raffensperger, a Republican, warned that debunked claims about voting fraud were "hurting our state".

President Trump continues to refuse to accept defeat in the vote, alleging, without evidence, there has been widespread fraud.

Flying Fijians all smiles after win over Georgia

Fiji scored six of their seven tries after half-time to secure a vital bonus point win, with man of the match Semi Radradra scoring twice and setting up three other tries.

Coach John McKee said the whole squad was determined to make amends after last week's defeat against Uruguay.

"Our boys were bitterly disappointed and they really wanted to make a statement today," McKee said.

Kiwi coaches seeking their fortunes abroad

Even Sir Graham and Hansen themselves were forced to take a pathway through Wales en route to the top NZ role.

If you're in doubt about which teams to support at the Rugby World Cup when New Zealand aren't playing, this list of Kiwi-coached sides may swing your allegiance.

Joe Schmidt (Ireland)

International teams coached: Ireland (2013-present)

International record: 50-18-1 (72.5 percent)

Tournament titles: Three (Six Nations 2014, 2015, 2018)

Georgia Rugby pleads for a spot in expansion plans

Among them, Georgia.

With a billionaire backer and a Kiwi coach, European rugby's potential sleeping giants want to make their mark.

The powerhouse Georgian pack recently helped England prepare for their Six Nations opener against Ireland, but they hope that's not the closest they get to competing in European rugby's premier international competition.

Georgia want to play against the game's heavyweights and winning the 'most improved' award is no longer an option, according to coach Milton Haig.

Two debutants to start for Tonga vs Georgia

The Bay of Plenty loose forward and Taranaki utility back came off the bench against the French Barbarians two weeks ago but will start for the 'Ikale Tahi in Tbilisi, in place of Sione Vailanu, who drops to the reserves and captain Siale Piutau, who has returned to his club side Bristol.

In the only other change to the starting fifteen thumped 74-24 by Wales, Sefo Sakalia replaces Paula Ngauamo at hooker.

Hooker Sione Anga'aelangi is set to make his first test appearance since 2016 off the bench.

'Ikale Tahi lament costly mistakes in Cardiff

The Kingdom fought back from three tries down to level the scores just after half-time in Cardiff before conceding 50 unanswered points to lose 74-24.

Flanker Dan Faleafa said there were good and bad things about their performance.

"We showed some good attitude after having a yellow card and being down almost 20 points we showed some good resilience to get back and get back up to 24-all after half-time," he said.