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Irish Daily Mirror
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
What time and TV channel is Georgia vs Ireland on today?
What does an Ireland team look like when sixteen players are away with the Lions and a further two front-line stars, Caelan Doris and Robbie Henshaw, are injured?Well like this one lining up to play the first of two summer test matches, against Georgia and Portugal. Actually, the good news is that players such as Jamie Osborne, Sam Prendergast, Craig Casey and Ryan Baird are in situ while recently capped Jimmy O'Brien, Thomas Clarkson, Cormac Izuchukwu and Gus McCarthy are in the are two debutants in the line-up, Leinster's powerhouse winger Tommy O'Brien who could do no wrong post-Christmas and Connacht's beanpole second-row Darragh Murray (pronounced Muh-ray if you must know...)Munster cause-celebre Gavin Coombes gets a chance to make his case with a rare have mustered a selection show-casing nine players who play in France, six from the Top 14 and three from PROD2 (see team sheet at bottom).The other six are with Black Lions, the side selected from their domestic league and coached by national coach Richard Cockerill that represents Georgia on an invite in the EPCR European Challenge Cup. They've beaten Scarlets 23-7 in Llanelli in 2023 and Vannes 22-19 in Tbilisi mightn't get any easier with those coming from the bench either as it has a similar Top14/PROD2/Black Lion make up. Tedo Abzhandadze, incidentally, went to Terenure is what you need to know about the match:Where and when is it?The match takes place at the Mikheil Meskhi Stadium, Tbilisi on Saturday, July time is kick-off?The action gets under way at 6pm Irish are the match officials?Referee: Andrea Piardi (Italy)Assistant referees: Adam Leal (England) & Ben Whitehouse (Wales)TMO: Matteo Liperini (Italy)QUOTES CORNERPaul O'Connell, Interim Ireland coach said: "They have a mixture of players playing in France who bring a real, I suppose, flair to what they do and the Black Lion players have impressed a lot of the coaches as well. The likes of Mikeil Babunasvili and Luke Ivanasvilli from a forward point of view, these kinds of guys are really tough, well organised, smart rugby players."They had a good Autumn, nearly beating Italy, they had a good summer, they put 29 points on Australia down there although they didn't beat them. They beat a tier one nation in Japan. They've been steadily beating tier one nations in the last number of years. So it's a brilliant test match for our players."Georgia Coach Richard Cockerill on the burning agenda in Georgia rugby: "If you are finishing bottom of the Six Nations why do you just get free rein to turn up next year and play?"We want the opportunity to prove that we can compete, so surely that's logical we get the opportunity to have a play-off."We feel we are probably a little bit too strong for the second level tournament although the other teams are improving, especially Spain and Romania, but for us to improve we need to play at a tougher level. Italy had that opportunity in the early 2000s."It would be the richest game in World Rugby - Georgia versus Wales at some point in the near future to see who plays in the Six Nations for the next tournament. That's jeopardy, isn't it? That would be a game people would want to watch."We feel we've earned the right, we want the opportunity to prove that potentially we're good enough to compete on a regular basis at that level."Debutant Tommy O'Brien, just turned 27, finally fully fit and finishing the season as one of Leinster's most valued players: "I guess I've known what I can do in training but it's obviously behind closed doors so the general public wouldn't see it."But I had a bit of confidence in what I was doing and the fact you're training in Leinster with such high level players, such international quality players, I took a bit of confidence from that and I felt I just needed to get a chance to get a couple of games under my YOU KNOW: Ireland beat Georgia 14-10 at RWC 2007 - thanks to Denis Leamy getting his hand under the ball preventing a touchdown after Georgia had crossed the Irish line looking to touch down in the 78th minute. DID YOU KNOW: Georgia are ranked no11 in the world, one place above ODDSGeorgia win: 7/1Ireland win: 1/10Draw: 35/1What TV CHANNEL IS IT ON?The match will be shown on Virgin Media - Joe Molloy will lead coverage with Ian Madigan, Andrew Trimble as studio analysts. John Forrest will be commentator with Alan Quinlan as co-commentator. Coverage begins 5.30pmTEAMSGeorgia : 15 Davit Niniashvili (Lyon); 14 Akaki Tabutsadze (Black Lion), 13 Demur Tapladze (Grenoble), 12 Giorgi Kveseladze (Black Lion), 11 Sandro Todua (Black Lion); 10 Luka Matkava (Castres), 9 Vasil Lobzhanidze (Oyonnax);1 Giorgi Akhaladze (ASM Clermont), 2 Vano Karkadze (Montpellier), 3 Irakli Aptsiauri Lyon), 4 Mikheil Babunashvili (Black Lion), 5 Lado Chachanidze (Black Lion), 6 Luka Ivanishvili (Black Lion), 7 Beka Saghinadze (Lyon), 8 Tornike Jalagonia (Provence),Replacements: 16 Irakli Kvatadze (Black Lion), 17 Giorgi Tetrashvili (Perpignan), 18 Beka Gigashvili (Toulon), 19 Giorgi Javakhia (Grenoble), 20 Ilia Spanderashvili (Valence), 21 Mikheil Alania (Black Lion), 22 Tedo Abzhandadze (Aurillac), 23 Tornike Kakhoidze (Black Lion).Ireland: 15 Jimmy O'Brien; 14 Tommy O'Brien, 13 Jamie Osborne, 12 Stuart McCloskey, 11 Jacob Stockdale; 10 Sam Prendergast, 9 Craig Casey; 1 Jack Boyle, 2 Gus McCarthy, 3 Thomas Clarkson, 4 Cormac Izuchukwu, 5 Darragh Murray, 6 Ryan Baird, 7 Nick Timony, 8 Gavin CoombesReplacements: 16 Tom Stewart, 17 Michael Milne, 18 Jack Aungier, 19 Tom Ahern, 20 Cian Prendergast, 21 Ben Murphy, 22 Jack Crowley, 23 Calvin Nash.
Forbes
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The Person Transforming Miami's Dining Scene And Redefining The City's Global Appeal
Robert Rivani in front og SLS LUX In a city that welcomed a record-breaking 142.9 million visitors last year, Robert Rivani is not just riding the wave of Miami's tourism boom—he's helping to shape it. The founder of Black Lion is considered somewhat of a disruptor in South Florida's commercial real estate space, scooping up unloved, underperforming properties during the height of the pandemic, when much of the world believed hospitality was on the brink of collapse. Over the past few years, Rivani has transformed those underutilized spaces into some of Miami's most magnetic dining destinations, helping fuel the city's evolution into a global culinary hotspot. 'The future of Miami is undeniably bright, this is a city writing its own chapter at an extraordinary pace,' said Greg Galy, Founder & CEO of Riviera Dining Group, behind several wildly popular and buzzy hospitality concepts including MILA, the second top independent grossing restaurant in the country. 'Robert has been instrumental in reshaping the city's dining landscape by attracting acclaimed restaurants and reimagining key spaces, he's elevated the region into a hub for luxury and experiential dining.' Rivani's portfolio of tenants includes celebrity-favorite names like Delilah, CATCH, GEKKŌ, and RosaNegra—all brands that attract international clientele and anchor Miami's culinary credibility. Go to TripAdvisor or Eater, and you'll find thousands of glowing reviews, many citing them as 'must-visits' and 'trip highlights.' Reservations are often booked weeks in advance, and celebrity sightings are common. From the 1920s supper club vibe at Delilah Miami complete with live jazz and velvet-clad interiors (famous fans include the Kardashians and Drake), or the open-air rooftop glamour of CATCH Miami Beach, where seafood towers meet skyline views–these are places where travel itineraries revolve around the reservation time. According to Rivani, the restaurants aren't just attracting locals—they're luring tastemakers and travelers from New York, the West Coast, Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America. "For me, it's never just about filling space or collecting rent, it's about identifying marquee brands that elevate the entire neighborhood,' says Rivani. 'We're building destinations that draw global attention. Every tenant we bring in acts as a catalyst for cultural and economic growth, contributing lasting value to the area." Over the past few years, Rivani has amassed and now begun selectively selling off a portfolio of over $100 million in South Florida commercial real estate. He recently closed a landmark $38.25 million deal for the Brickell spaces leased to GEKKŌ and RosaNegra–both which will remain operating. The property where CATCH Miami Beach is located traded for a record $28.2 million. Rivani says it's validation for his vision, and a clear sign that Miami has firmly secured its place on the global stage.
Powys County Times
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
Fun times at Llanfair Caereinion's Black Lion in pictures
THERE is no doubt about it - the Black Lion in Llanfair Caereinion is a very special pub. It is a favourite with locals and tourists alike and has been at the heart of Llanfair life since the 19th century with a virtually unaltered public bar which has quarry tiled flooring and a brick inglenook fireplace. There a hatch on the side of the bar where locals end up congregating and putting the world to rights. While other rooms in the pub have been knocked through it still retains a traditional atmosphere. The pub boasts a covered smoking area which has it's own log fire and is a biker friendly pub. It has previously won pub of the year on more than one occasion and is popular with locals, tourists and Montgomeryshire residents. The Black, as it is known by generations of locals, is the cornerstone of the community involved in local events such as the carnival and hosting live music and local events/hospitality. In April 2020 while still under lockdown conditions Llanfair United Football Club acquired the lease of the Black Lion as a source of income for the adult and junior sides. As the pub is leased by the football club there are plenty of TV's internally to watch a range of sports and all post-match catering is provided from the pub. The Black Lion float themed Disney at the town carnival in 2007. Regulars who dressed up for the Alice in The Black Wonderland theme at the town carnival in 2004. (Image: County Times.) Regulars who dressed up for the Bolshey Ballet by the Black Lion at Llanfair Carnival in 2006. (Image: County Times.) The Black Lion was County Times Pub of the Year in 2006. (Image: County Times.)
The Independent
28-01-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Steve Tandy hopeful Duhan van der Merwe will be fit for Scotland's Italy clash
Steve Tandy indicated that Scotland's record try-scorer Duhan van der Merwe will be fit and available for selection for Saturday's Guinness Six Nations opener at home to Italy. The South Africa-born wing sat out training with the national team early last week after missing Edinburgh's Challenge Cup match against Black Lion on January 19 with an ankle injury sustained against Vannes the previous weekend. Asked how Van der Merwe was progressing, defence coach Tandy said on Monday: 'Duhan's been in training today, he's been good, he's done everything today.' Back-rower Luke Crosbie and second-row duo Grant Gilchrist and Jonny Gray have also had injury issues in recent weeks. However, Tandy played down any concern that the Scots may be about to be hit with further withdrawals after starting pair Sione Tuipulotu and Scott Cummings, as well as Dylan Richardson and Josh Bayliss, were ruled out out of the championship over the past fortnight. 'No, the boys trained today, everyone's been in and has been training, so that's great for us after losing a few,' said Tandy. 'But that's rugby, every team has it. 'We've lost a couple of big ones, but it's what it is, we've just got to focus on the boys that are coming in. It's an amazing opportunity to represent Scotland, whoever it may be.' Tandy is confident that Scotland have enough experience in their ranks to deal with the loss of captain Tuipulotu and lock Cummings. 'With Sione and Scott and some of the bigger players who are still here, the leadership has been huge, but I think a lot of their leadership has rubbed off on others as well,' he said. 'The group has been together for a fair period of time now, so I think even though there's one leader (Tuipulotu), it's also shared. Stafford McDowall is captain in Glasgow, so there are lots of shared experiences and learnings right throughout the group. 'Ultimately it is a void, but we have to fill it, and what we find is when someone does have an unfortunate injury, it's surprising the people that do step up.' Tandy revealed the Scots have referred to last year's galling 31-29 defeat away to Italy as they prepare to welcome the Azzurri in this Saturday's championship opener. We know and totally respect what Italy do, they're a really good outfit Steve Tandy 'It's definitely a reminder, and it's definitely been referenced around the learning we had,' he said of their shock loss in the Eternal City. 'Ultimately it was an experience that we didn't like, that we weren't happy with, but I think we've grown. We put a performance in the week after (away to Ireland), and we then had a good autumn. 'We know how good Italy are, there's a lot of consistency around the boys playing for Benetton and some big players playing in France. We know and totally respect what Italy do, they're a really good outfit, well organised, well drilled, so we know that we're going to have to put in a complete performance on Saturday.'
