Georgia
Rugby: Michael Leitch shifts to 2nd row for Japan clash with Georgia
Captain Michael Leitch will make his anticipated switch to the second row and university student Yoshitaka Yazaki will earn his second cap at fullback when Japan host Georgia in an international rugby test Saturday.
The test at Yurtec Stadium Sendai in northeastern Japan is Eddie Jones’ second following his reappointment as Brave Blossoms head coach.
Leitch’s move away from the back row comes as Jones seeks to implement his “super-fast” vision of Japanese rugby. Speaking to reporters after his team announcement Thursday, Jones described the 35-year-old Leitch as the best option at lock.
Japan captain Michael Leitch (L) and head coach Eddie Jones appear at an online press conference in Tokyo on July 11, 2024. (Copyright JRFU) (Kyodo)
“I’m getting a feel for the role,” Leitch said. “The key will be how well we can contain their big forwards.”
The Australian coach has chosen a pair of quick flankers in Kubota Spears’ Faulua Makisi and Tokyo Sungoliath’s Kanji Shimokawa, with Bordeaux’s Tevita Tatafu starting at No. 8.
Naoto Saito, who has signed to play with French powerhouse Toulouse in the upcoming season, starts at scrumhalf.
Japan are currently No. 12 in the World Rugby rankings, two spots above Georgia. The Brave Blossoms have won five and lost one of their previous meetings.
Related coverage:
Rugby: Japan international Saito moves to French powerhouse Toulouse
Rugby: Japan XV beat Maori All Blacks in non-test match
Rugby: New Japan flanker Tiennan Costley shows value on big stage
Japan:
Takayoshi Mohara, Mamoru Harada, Shuhei Takeuchi; Michael Leitch, Warner Dearns; Faulua Makisi, Kanji Shimokawa, Tevita Tatafu; Naoto Saito, Lee Seung Sin; Tomoki Osada, Samisoni Tua, Dylan Riley, Jone Naikabula, Yoshitaka Yazaki.
Reserves:
Atsushi Sakate, Takato Okabe, Keijiro Tamefusa, Sanaila Waqa, Tiennan Costley, Taiki Koyama, Takuya Yamasawa, Koga Nezuka.
Georgia
West Nile infections starting to raise concerns in Georgia
ATLANTA, Ga. — Positive mosquito samples for West Nile virus have been found in Fulton County, according to the Board of Health.
Officials say the samples came from the Grant Park area and that infected mosquitoes are suspected to be present in the city of Atlanta.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report this year’s West Nile infections are the highest since 2004. The disease has been transmitted by mosquitoes, with reported cases in 23 states. Most of the reported cases are considered severe.
Health officials suggest using an insect repellent registered with the EPA. Wearing long, loose-fitting clothing is also recommended.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Georgia
Travel and Leisure listed unique experiences in each state, including GA
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Packing for a cruise made easy with 10 overlooked essentials and smart boarding day tips to help you stay organized and stress-free.
It can be hard to find a truly unique experience for your next vacation. That’s where Travel + Leisure comes in.
Back in May, members of the publication’s team created a list in celebration of America’s 250th Fourth of July, highlighting a unique experience in each state “from hidden gems to iconic highlights and editor-approved favorites.”
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Most unique experience in Georgia
The Georgia spot highlighted was the World of Quercus. Here’s what writer Lydia Mansel said about it:
“The 3,800-acre property, dotted with pecan groves and cabins, isn’t your run-of-the-mill retreat. Guests are encouraged to roam the land by golf cart or on foot, visit the biodynamic vegetable garden, fish the Flint River, and connect with the ranch’s horses. Owned by Chiara Visconti di Modrone and her husband Angelos Pervanas, Quercus is a place where relaxation comes in many forms—and you can design your experience to fit your pace and preferences.”
Where is Quercus?
Quercus is in Gay at 208 Caldwell St. It’s about 30 miles east of LaGrange and over 50 miles south of Atlanta.
How much is Quercus per night?
The Sylva, Ember, and Cypress cabins are $2,700 per night. The Naya cabin is $4,500 per night.
Unique experiences in the South
- Alabama: Freedom Monument Sculpture Park
- Florida: Greater Florida Everglades
- Georgia: Quercus
- Kentucky: Kentucky African American Heritage Trail
- Louisiana: New Orleans Museum of Art
- Missouri: Anheuser-Busch Brewery
- Mississippi: Vikin’s Mississippi Delta Explorer
- North Carolina: Good Hot Fish
- South Carolina: Casual Crabbing with Tia
- Tennessee: Blackberry Farm
- Virginia: Chincoteague Island
- West Virginia: New River Gorge National Park
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.
Georgia
Co-owner of Yurezz Home Center in Greeneville arrested in Georgia
APPLING COUNTY, Ga. (WCYB) — The co-owner of Yurezz Home Center in Greeneville has been arrested in Georgia, according to a report obtained by News 5.
Earlier this week, News 5 told you about the dealership in Greeneville that abruptly shut down last month.
This has left homeowners with partially built homes and employees without jobs.
It is not yet clear why Richard Altman was taken into custody.
This is a developing story.
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