For decades, Marcoussis, in the Essonne department of France
has been the place to be every March for the Carnaval de Bineau
it's the event not to be missed in the town
the town of Marcoussis takes part in a large costume parade with fanfare and floats
forming a merry procession through the streets of the town for several hours
the carnival parade ends with the sacrifice of Bineau (i.e.
the setting on fire of the carnival person Bineau)
To make sure your parade goes off without a hitch
don't forget to come dressed in your best costumes
make-up and folk accessories (and don't forget the confetti!) to blend in with the crowd
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Mcatshulwa plays for Stade Villeneuvois Lille Métropole
“it felt like ages” before she could reunite with the team she last played for in October at WXV 2 in Cape Town
“It was really nice to link up again and great to be back on tour with the group,” said Mcatshulwa
including the previous Rugby World Cup in New Zealand
The utility forward expressed satisfaction with her first season abroad and said she cannot wait to share some experiences gained in the French top division
“The Rugby World Cup in England is creating a lot of excitement
as France are one of the favourites and with the Women’s Six Nations currently underway and them doing well
“I am happy with my contributions this season
but for the next two weeks it is all about the Springbok Women and using this tour to enhance our chances in England in August.”
The Bok Women are playing France in their pool
with the two sides meeting at Franklin's Gardens in Northampton on 7 September
but the South Africans will have two training sessions against their hosts at the National Centre on Tuesday
They will also play a match against an English team consisting of Under-20 and Under-23 players at the same venue on Saturday before departing to Alicante in Spain for a Test against the host union on 19 April
“It will be good for us to train against France
as they are in the middle of their current campaign and will be full of speed and intensity
whilst we have not played together since the WXV
the weather is quite nice now to play rugby,” smiled Mcatshulwa
who enjoyed her first European winter in Lille
The Springbok Women's Sevens team's hearts were broken with a late defeat against Kenya in their HSBC SVNS Play-off fina..
A group of 38 players assembled in Cape Town on Sunday for the next phase of the Springbok Women’s Rugby World Cup prepa..
The Springbok Women's Sevens team had an up and down start in their first two pool games of the HSBC SVNS Play-off tourn..
The California dream might be over before it began for the Springbok Women's Sevens team
shared change rooms at Western Province and the Bulls Daisies
Zander Reynders waited for the perfect opportunity to score his first try for the Springbok Sevens team
as the Blitzboks bounced back from a disappointing start in Singapore to beat HSBC SVNS series leaders Argentina in their final pool game on Saturday
The big question around the Springbok Sevens’ performance in Hong Kong last weekend will be answered in the National Stadium in Singapore on Saturday
Was it just a bad day at the office or are the Blitzboks losing momentum in HSBC SVNS
The Springbok Women’s Sevens squad to travel to Poland on Sunday for next weekend’s World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger tournament in Krakow
will feature two uncapped players in Patience Mokone and Vianca Boer
Faith Tshauke (utility forward) and Xolelwa Diliza (hooker) have been named in the 32-player Springbok Women squad to travel to France and Spain for a short tour
with the Bulls Daisies duo earning first national call-ups
What happened in Hong Kong stayed in Hong Kong and the Springbok Sevens squad arrived in Singapore this week with a fresh mind and effort
but also with a clear mission – to finish the regular HSBC SVNS season with an performance that will do justice to the team
The Vodacom Bulls emerged as the last remaining South African team in the EPCR Challenge Cup after booking their place in the quarter-final against Edinburgh following their Round of 16 victory against Bayonne in France
but the two other SA sides in the competition – the defending champions
Junior Springbok head coach Kevin Foote stressed the importance of continuity and consistency as the SA U20s their preparation for the season with a training match against the Vodacom Bulls U21 side in Stellenbosch on Saturday
The Springbok Women’s Sevens team arrived in Poland late on Monday determined to keep their momentum from the opening two legs of the World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger Series that was played in Cape Town early last month
Chasing the Sun 2 – A Story for South Africa – the captivating and award-winning sequel to Chasing the Sun was the most-watched series on M-Net in 2024
There were smiles all around for the Springbok Women after a productive hit-out with their French counterparts on Tuesday afternoon in Marcoussis
and according to assistant coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt the squad will benefit greatly from the training session heading towards the Rugby World Cup in August
© 2025 SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY | PICTURES © GALLO IMAGES
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whose buildings rely on green electricity for more than a third of their electrical consumption
was looking to further its energy transition and to revive a piece of land that contained railway embankments.
Who said that solar energy could not be used in the Île-de-France region
alongside the Marcoussis commune and SIGEIF (energy syndicate in Île-de-France)
has installed nearly 60,000 solar panels in this town in the French department of Essonne
This extraordinary solar farm has a capacity of 20.3 MWp and supplies electricity to some 10,000 people each year
It also revives a vast area of unused land while preserving its biodiversity
The park has been designed so that animals can easily move around
Wildlife refuges have been created for certain species
such as the praying mantis or the bullfinch
An eco-grazing project with a sheep farm to maintain the land is also being set up
The project makes it possible to use 114 acres for short-circuit agriculture
The site has been designed with eco-responsibility in mind: the silicon-based Norwegian panels that were selected have one of the lowest carbon footprints on the market
The way the project was financed is also unprecedented
urban area and department were successfully invited to take part in a crowdfunding campaign
Close to €1.4 M was thus quickly raised among the environmentally-conscious residents
with contributions ranging between €10 to €5,530.The largest park of its kind north of the Loire
the Marcoussis site will allow the commune to be partially self-sufficient within a region where energy is primarily imported.
“The Marcoussis project is exceptional for more than one reason.” To start
It is co-developed alongside the commune and SIGEIF
both of whom are firmly committed to the energy transition and a carbon-free economy
because the crowdfunding campaign was the most successful fundraiser conducted in France by ENGIE Green
“This project reflects the commune’s desire to reduce their energy consumption
It is promising in terms of sustainable development
and is strengthened by the successful crowdfunding operation which encourages residents to get involved.”Olivier Thomas
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1878–1941Following761Follow761761 FollowersLouis Marcoussis of Polish origin
arrived in Paris in 1903 and belonged to this brilliant colony of foreign artists who turned the City of Light into a world-class capital for the arts.He exhibited for the first time at the Salon d'Automne in …
“This was a good day for us – we trained against one of the top four teams in the world and it really went well for us,” said Johannes-Haupt
“They are well underway in their Women’s Six Nations campaign while we are only starting our season
so we expected to have issues with the pace and intensity of the sessions
but we did not and that was a massive plus to the coaches
as it pointed to a positive trajection for the squad
“We had a unit session against them in the morning where we could test our scrums and lineouts while the backs could play their starter moves and them moved on to match scenarios where we also did well.”
The fact that some of their least experience players could also get a run against France – who play Wales in Brive in the Six Nations on Saturday – was a plus as those players gained valuable experience against the hosts
“That was a bonus – we had 29 players getting the opportunity to feel what rugby at the level the French play at it is about and all will benefit from that,” she said
we have another opportunity on Saturday when we play a match against an England side consisting of U20 and U23 players
where those who did not play that much today
The expected benchmark set by the French was not unassailable
according to Johannes-Haupt: “We did well and that was a very pleasing aspect for us to be able to compete against an undefeated team in the Six Nations
They are one of our opponents at the Rugby World Cup as well
we were grateful to them for affording us the opportunity
“The players really enjoyed this opportunity
We will now do a full review of the sessions and then came back looking for further improvement on Saturday in the match against England.”
The Bok Women tour squad will travel to Spain on Sunday for a Test against the host nation in Alicante on 19 April
South Africa will end the league phase of the HSBC SVNS season in fourth place after a strong finish in Singapore on Sunday
where they won both their games but were unfortunately still placed ninth
and Springbok Sevens team head coach Philip Snyman bemoaned the lack of consistency
There is a cold snap in the air in Krakow – and with eight becoming the chosen four at the end of the final World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger tournament this weekend – also some desperation for some of the teams who converged on the Polish city since Monday
A massive opportunity beckons for the Vodacom Bulls in the EPCR Challenge Cup on Saturday as they stake a claim for a semi-final spot after booking their quarter-final berth against Edinburgh at the Hive Stadium in the Scottish capital
While the pacesetting duo of Suzuki Griquas and the Airlink Pumas aim to continue their dominance in the SA Cup
the chasing pack consisting of the NovaVit Griffons
will all strive to step up their efforts in ensuring a place amongst top four spots on the league table to secure qualification for the Carling Currie Cup Premier Division
SA Rugby has entered into a ground-breaking new partnership with global leader in fabric care
as part of a contract renewal with Unilever
The Springbok Women Sevens have qualified for the HSBC SVNS Playoff in Los Angeles with three from three pool victories on a very cold day in Krakow
Poland in the final World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger tournament on Friday
European operator acquires former Nokia HQ site
French data center firm Data4 has announced plans for a new data center campus outside Paris
First reported by L’usine Nouvell and DCMag.fr
the new PAR3 campus will span 22 hectares in Nozay in Essone
“We are very pleased to announce a new major project for Data4: the creation of the new PAR3 data center campus in the municipality of Nozay
which will be located 5km from our two Marcoussis campuses (PAR 1 and PAR2)
and all his team for their commitment as well as to all the stakeholders who made this beautiful project a reality.”
Data4 aims to develop a total of eight data centers with a total area of 32,000 square meters and 120 MW of capacity
The company said it aims to invest €1 billion ($1bn) by 2030 in the project
The site was previously Nokia’s head office in France
The company didn’t disclose how much the property was acquired for
said: “This acquisition is part of our ambition to quickly reach a capacity of 1GW and to be the pan-European reference player in the data center sector
We are thus strengthening our roots in the south of Paris
After the transformation of the former Alcatel industrial site in Marcoussis into a data center campus
the takeover of the Nokia site in Nozay underlines our territorial commitment as well as our desire to work and make our local ecosystem grow.”
The new development will reportedly be integrated into a local district heating scheme
Data4 operates two other data center campuses nearby in Macoussis
At full build out the three French campuses will total 375MW
PAR1 and 2 offer a total potential capacity of 255MW across 24 data centers and 111 hectares
Germany that could reach 200,000 sqm (2.1 million sq ft) and 180MW
Brookfield Asset Management is reportedly in talks to acquire the company
Data Centre Dynamics Ltd (DCD), 32-38 Saffron Hill, London, EC1N 8FH Email. [email protected]DCD is a subsidiary of InfraXmedia
After several years of studies and months of work
ENGIE Green has commissioned Île-de-France’s largest solar farm
it will provide electricity to 10,000 people
The day has come! The inauguration of the Marcoussis solar farm was held on 4 October
The solar power plant is installed on a former wasteland made up of embankments and is equipped with nearly 60,000 solar panels
making it the largest plant of its kind north of the Loire
ENGIE Green was chosen at the end of 2017 by the Marcoussis commune and SIGEIF (energy syndicate in Île-de-France) to carry out this remarkable project
it allows to produce some 21,629 MWh each year
"The Marcoussis solar farm embodies our vision of a regional project
built in close collaboration with local partners and elected officials
The use of crowdfunding has allowed local residents to become players in the energy transition."Catherine MacGregor
The €18.8 million investment required for the project was co-financed through a project company owned by ENGIE (60%)
What makes this project even more exceptional is that it was supported through a very successful crowdfunding campaign
Close to €1.4 M was quickly raised among the environmentally-conscious residents of the commune
with contributions ranging between €10 to €5,530
the bonds that were only accessible to the residents of Marcoussis were already gone
The residents have seized the opportunity to take part in this renewable energy project
90% of a silicon-based solar panel is recycled at the end of its life cycle thanks to a dedicated sector in France
The plant’s carbon footprint has been calculated and takes into account all the materials and their transport
with the carbon debt being repaid after 3 years of operation and the prevention of around 9,000 t of CO2 emissions each year.
96% of the solar park is natural grassland; the equipment leaves a very small footprint
wildlife refuges have been created to prevent the disappearance of certain species from the area
and the fencing has openings through which animals can circulate
a grazing project with sheep is planned to help maintain the site
This exemplary project is proof that the energy transition is gaining traction in the regions
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This was an opportunity to conclude the final part of the Level 3 course which had previously been conducted online
There was a mixture of levels of experience between the attendees
with some being unable to take the field for more than 12 months
although they were able to take part in the four webinars in February and a workshop in June
Things got underway with the everyone’s favourite – the fitness test – on Monday morning
before getting on with the theory sections
After the course Rugby Europe Referee’s Manger Joël Dume said
“Some clever questions were asked by the participants
and I’m sure that they all learnt from each other
“This was a really good opportunity to present the new World Rugby Trials to all
and a good start for Rugby Europe to prepare the future of the refereeing for the next very busy period of Rugby Europe competitions.”
the sessions were a step back towards ‘normality’ for the participants
summarised by Moldovan referee Eugeniu Procopi
No virtual course will ever beat a physical one
This was a great opportunity for networking and creating life-long relationships
especially that most of the participants will officiate in future competitions together
this was a great time for everyone to get to discover other cultures and more specifics of how the game of rugby is played in their country and what is the focus put on.”
“The most important part of the course for me was to talk to so many other referees
whether they be the educators with their immense experience
we can all learn from each other and become better.”
Following on from the refereeing course was the Coaching Course delivered by World Rugby Educators
This section featured 17 coaches from 12 unions who were able to travel
The course was organised on the back of a virtual Level 3 coaching course back in January
Academy manager Servette Geneve enjoyed the coaching course and commented
“It was a great group with a great “Rugby” atmosphere and a lot of respect
The key outcomes were exchanging with other people as it’s an essential part of progression to discover and share experiences.”
Tornike Kalandarishvili an aspiring coach from Georgia said
“I heard about the course from the Georgian union
and I learned a lot and mostly to keep it simple and getting used to work in a different environment.”
It was delivered by Daniel Mitrea of Rugby Europe
Technical Director of Rugby Netherland and Rob Cliverd at World Rugby
The candidates worked hard and created an excellent learning environment
What came across so strongly was the collective love of the game
and the game is in very safe hands with this group of coaches
Most of the learnings came from the group themselves- they worked very cooperatively and seemed to be having lots of fun at the same time!”
The next key focus for the Rugby Europe Development team will be the Development Conference being held in Croatia from 11-13 October 2021
which will see top Technical Directors/High Performance Managers/Training Managers experts gathering from the top European Unions to exchange best practices
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Data4 is a fast-growing French company specializing in computer data storage
with an impressive number of data centers in Europe
which designs and builds its own data centers
has entrusted Clévia’s teams with refrigeration production and distribution for three of its data centers under construction on the Marcoussis campus (91)
Data4 provides its customers with storage for large volumes of computer data in highly secure racks
The latest data centers are increasingly powerful and can reach 10 to 15 MW
In view of the increase in its construction needs
which has been in partnership with an HVAC installation company for several years
decided to open its consultations to competition
Our Clévia experts thus positioned on a first contract
then a second and finally won three operations between 2020 and 2022
relating to cold production and distribution facilities
This is a real success for Thermie et Services regional management’s works division Data4 were satisfied with the quality of the services and commitment of the teams on site
but also anxious to secure future construction schedules
They thus accepted our proposal to build a second data centre (underway)
then a third (currently in the study phase)
We benefited from Eiffage Energie Systèmes’ brand image and recognized expertise in this field” said Regional Sales Manager Charles Dubuc
France (AP) - Twice Portugal's match-winner at the European Championship
Ricardo Quaresma is bringing a new hairstyle worthy of the final to face France on Sunday
Quaresma revealed a new cut at training on Saturday - a peroxide feather design
standing out on the left side of his otherwise shaven head
Portugal coach Fernando Santos laughed when asked about the crop at a news conference at Stade de France on Sataurday
Quaresma has been a substitute for most of Euro 2016
The 32-year-old forward scored the extra-time goal to beat Croatia 1-0 in the round of 16
and then converted the final penalty in the shootout after a 1-1 draw against Poland in the quarterfinals
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Fabien Galthie's in-form France starts this year's Six Nations by hosting struggling Wales on Friday with the head coach fully aware of the challenge of winning the title
After welcoming Warren Gatland's Wales side to Paris
including a visit to two-time defending champion Ireland
before a home game against Scotland to finish the tournament on March 15.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); });
France's results have vastly improved since Galthie took over in 2020
but its only trophy came with the Six Nations Grand Slam three years ago
despite a golden generation of players including superstar scrumhalf Antoine Dupont
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A short drive from Paris city centre in the commune of Marcoussis is L-Acoustics’ HQ
Last month it opened its doors to the industry press to showcase its latest offering
TPi’s Stew Hume hears the new system during a tour of the facilities
L-Acoustics has secured itself as one of the premium producers of loudspeakers within the live events industry
The company has seen year-on-year expansion with the HQ rapidly outgrowing its main building
L-Acoustics currently takes up four buildings in the Marcoussis business park
not to mention a recently redesigned Simea facility located near the French-German border in the Lower Rhine
This is where the framework for each L-Acoustics cabinet is built
the goal of L-Acoustics has never been growth
L-Acoustics’ most recent offering to the market is the the X Series
a range of four short throw coaxial speakers that have the capability to be used in the touring and the install markets
The series was first unveiled at this year’s Prolight + Sound tradeshow in Frankfurt
have joined the older 5XT to create a range of purpose-built speaker cabinets
the UK based L-Acoustics Application Engineer gave an overview of the product range
we took everything that we learned from the new K2 to work on the ergonomics of the cabinet
decrease the weight of the cabinets as well as different manufacturing processes to allow the cabinets to be more rugged.”
The three new cabinets include high-excursion neodymium drivers
ellipsoid directivity on the X12 and X15 HiQ
laminar vented ports and up to 30% weight reduction
Head of Acoustic and Instrumentation at L-Acoustics
talked about the development of the new X Series
“The challenge in creating the X Series was to bring all of the experience we gained in designing the K2 to bear on a new series of reference coaxials
We used new carpentry techniques to optimise internal volumes
designing a new aerodynamic form with a slender
low profile that gives a profound feeling of power.”
talked about the R&D process of the X Series: “The team spent over two years designing the new X Series
engineered wood contributed both to the weight reduction as well as the acoustics
We received extensive feedback from partners during our pilot phase over the summer where we heard that technicians have been asking for more of them because they are so easy to lug around and to get up in the air.”
He went on to state that every piece of design has been meticulously thought about during the development of the series and certain minor design traits such as handle design were very important to the process: “We were absolute sticklers on the ergonomics
which meant hours of discussions on things like handles
when you are the person who carries the speaker in and out of a venue day after day
it’s an important part of the acceptance of the series by the end user.”
The top end of the X Series is the X15 HiQ
which is now L-Acoustics’ reference active stage monitor
“This is our flagship monitor system but it is also a cabinet that can be used for a range of applications,” stated Orton
With high feedback immunity and a narrow ellipsoid directivity of 40° by 60° it provides a fantastic choice for monitor setup
The cabinet also comes with the inbuilt risers to give the monitor a range of 35° to 55° creating maximum versatility
The design of the X15 HiQ along with the other two new speakers all share a similar curved shape that reduces the amount of mechanical binds in the cabinet resulting in a more rugged and durable design
the X12 is a multi-purpose enclosure for use in stage monitoring and fills
while its ellipsoid directivity of 90° by 60° makes it adaptable for FOH applications
Its passive design also provides effective amplified controller management
The smaller X8 fills the purpose of live monitor within the X Series
A high SPL and extended bandwidth makes it perfect for operation at FOH control positions and allows an accurate translation of the engineer mix to large format L-Acoustics systems
The speaker has a wide conical directivity pattern which imparts a sense of specialisation with no minimal listening distance
L-Acoustics has also produced several bracket solutions for the X Series
“There is a whole array of rigging accessories so each speaker in the series can be mounted in any configuration imaginable
We went right back to a blank white page when designing things like the pole mount
or the rigging systems with only one thing in mind
How can we make it so that one person alone can rig it?”
the L-Acoustics staff also gave those attending the showcase a tour of their main building – including a look at the new production facility
Only moving into the new warehouse in April
the company recently decided to move to an assembly line method of production
which increases efficiency as well as consistency of its products
www.l-acoustics.com
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Kansteiner Says US Supports Peace in the Ivory Coast, Urges Other Nations to Pay "close Attention to President Taylor's and President Compaore's behavior"
French rugby team player Sebastien Chabal attends a training session at the National Rugby Center in Marcoussis (Source: Associated Press)
Rugby star Sébastien Chabal won two Six Nations titles with France, reached a World Cup semifinal and played 62 times for his nation as a powerful forward.
But he does not remember any of it due to memory loss stemming from the concussions he sustained as a player.
“I don’t remember a single second of a rugby match I played. And I don’t remember a single one of the 62 Marseillaises (national anthems) I experienced,” Chabal said in an interview with the Legend show on YouTube. “I don’t have the memory of past moments."
During his career, he also won the English title with Sale and scored six tries for France. He was a part of the French side which won the Six Nations Grand Slam in 2010, and his thunderous tackling led French crowds to shout “Chabaaaaalll” in a deep tone in admiration of his prowess.
"When I talk about it at home with my wife, I tell her that it feels like I wasn’t the one who played rugby,” he said. “I think that it wasn’t me who played rugby, especially because I don’t remember the moments.”
The 47-year-old became a household name in France and in rugby circles abroad because of his bushy black beard, his hard tackling and the icy stare he gave opponents.
His appearance and his intimidating presence on the rugby field earned him nicknames such as “The Caveman,” “The Anesthetist” and “Hannibal Lecter”. It also earned him considerable endorsement deals and says he earned annual income up to €800,000 (NZ$1.55 million).
He was also quick to rebuke media who tried to interview him in English during the 2007 Rugby World Cup, which was held in France.
Even though he spoke very good English from his time with Sale near Manchester from 2004-09, he would issue a blunt retort saying “we are in France, we speak French”.
Chabal's memory loss is so profound that he says he does not even remember the birth of his daughter and has hazy recollections of his own childhood.
“I don't remember many things. I have two or three childhood memories, but only just," he said. ”But I'm not even sure I remember them, because I was told about them."
Chabal's international career peaked with a 2007 World Cup semifinal and his 14-year club career ended in 2014 with Lyon.
Although he is now speaking about his concussion, he has not sought medical help.
“Go see a doctor, what for?” he said. “My memory won’t come back.”
Concussions have become a major issue in soccer and rugby in both its formats, the 15-a-side union and the 13-a-side league.
British law firm Rylands Garth said more than 500 former players are taking legal action against sports governing bodies on claims they suffered brain injuries during their careers.
French rugby star says he suffered cardiac arrest after taking snus
Hassane Kolingar says he suffered a cardiac arrest after taking the powdered tobacco product while at a teammate's wedding
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A French rugby star says he suffered a cardiac arrest after taking the tobacco product snus
Hassane Kolingar told the French sports newspaper Midi Olympique about his experience using the powdered tobacco product while attending a wedding for Racing 92 teammate Ibrahim Diallo
Snus is taken by placing the patch behind the upper lip
where the nicotine is absorbed into the body
I stuck a snus against my gum and sat down while waiting for the bride and groom," the prop said
He said things started going wrong when he burst out laughing
and "immediately felt pressure in my chest"
“I thought I was just having a hypoglycaemic episode and
I felt like someone was sticking needles in my head
really bad pain and my eyes were rolling back
and later had surgery to clear a scar on his heart
“The purpose of the operation was to clean the scar I had on my heart since birth
[the surgeon] had to trigger a new cardiac arrest.”
Kolingar returned to action in December following the health scare
According to the US Centers for Disease Control
smokeless tobacco can lead to nicotine addiction
increased risks of early delivery or stillbirth if taken during pregnancy
and can increase the risk of death from heart disease and stroke
The Tokyo silver medallists claimed a comprehensive victory over Japan first-up
In the final match of the day Moses Leo scored two tries
including a crucial second half effort when New Zealand led 10-5 to give his side a bit of breathing space
The only downside of the victory against the Blitzboks was the potential injury toll as both Ngarohi McGarvey-Black and Regan Ware appeared to suffer shoulder injuries
the latter stayed on in a limited capacity
coach Tomasi Cama said: “We haven’t had a look at it yet
He managed to say on the field – no subs – but we’ll have a look at it tonight and see what the plan is tomorrow."
The doc and medical team will have a look and go from there."
Key forward Scott Currie spent most of the second half on the sidelines after being forced from the field for a head injury assessment
Sione Molia and Joe Webber have travelled with the 12-player squad as reserves
The South Africa game was particularly physical
with New Zealand impressing with their handling skills and discipline
obviously we don’t want to underestimate those guys… the boys played well and against South Africa we’re very pleased to get the result
we’ve still got another big game tomorrow.”
Cama's advice to his players was: "Don’t play the occasion
It looks like they did that in the last game against South Africa."
Their final pool A match is against Ireland at 2.30am tomorrow
New Zealand will know their quarter-final opponents after the Ireland match
Different generations of rugby met in West Auckland today
with the touring English rugby team visiting a food bank run by an All Blacks great
Sir Michael Jones said it was a "fantastic touch" by the team
given they had barely been in the country for 48 hours before they offered to help pack food boxes
"To see them come straight to the community
speaks volumes of who they are and their leadership."
The English players also paid for and brought some of their own groceries
the English team have already made a point to meet the community
planning to visit an Auckland children's hospital on Friday
Captain Jamie George was thrilled to meet the All Blacks legend
telling him the team has "huge respect" for him
"I'm sure my old man will be buzzing that I met you today," he said
has played nearly 100 combined tests for England and the Lions and is one of a few veterans in a young England squad
He said the team will be "taking a step into the unknown" in Dunedin next week and are not entirely sure how the All Blacks will play under coach Scott Robertson
"He's had huge success with the Crusaders
so we're picking their play will probably be similar in style."
England has also been trying to work in a new style as well
evident in a 40-point thumping of Japan in Tokyo last weekend
They played attacking football in hot conditions
led by an impressive young first-five Marcus Smith
League great Kevin Sinfield is part of the new-look English coaching squad and has introduced young players raised playing more attacking rugby
winning UK Superleague titles with Leeds under former Warriors and Kiwis coach Brian McLennan
"Clearly rugby's important for us
George said his message for the squad as they explore New Zealand is to "soak it in
"This is what rugby for me is all about
coming out on tours like this to hostile places
England has won only two tests against the All Blacks in New Zealand: 51 years ago at Eden Park in 1973
where star first-five Jonny Wilkinson kicked the English to victory in Wellington
That same team would go on to win the 2003 Rugby World Cup
They will be hoping a new 21-year drought can be broken next week
Scott Robertson's first season as All Blacks coach will open with two home Tests against England
New Zealand Rugby confirmed the side will play 14 Tests in 2024
opening with matches against England in Dunedin and Auckland in July
That's followed by the San Diego clash with Fiji and the Rugby Championship
which features two matches in South Africa
The offshore Test against Fiji will be a revenue-generator for New Zealand Rugby
It will also be designed to spread the rugby gospel around North America
"Playing England under the roof in Dunedin is a great start for us in a world class stadium
and then we go up to Auckland where we have a great record that we are really proud of," Robertson said
"We then fly off to San Diego which is exciting in itself
The Fijians know their way around the world
I know a lot of Kiwis will make the trip as well."
In an interview with Breakfast this morning
former All Blacks midfielder Ma'a Nonu
said: "You've got two of the most amazing teams coming to San Diego
"There are a lot of Pacific Islanders who have grown up in the United States and there are a lot of kids playing rugby now
They're going to be seeing the stars like Rieko Ioane and Ardie Savea and then the [Fiji] players like Josua Tuisova and Semi Radrardra coming into the West Coast."
Another feature of the All Blacks' season is their two Tests against the world champion Springboks in Johannesburg and Cape Town
“We are playing up on the highveld at Ellis Park and then down to Cape Town - they are iconic Tests and I know a lot of Kiwis will be excited about that," Robertson said
"It is a great chance to find out about ourselves against the world champions.”
The All Blacks' last Test of 2023 was a painful one-point defeat at the hands of the Boks in the World Cup final in Paris
New Zealand-born flanker and former jiu jitsu champion Ethan Roots has been named in England's Six Nations squad for the first time
He moved to the UK in 2021 after making appearances for the Crusaders and Māori All Blacks and has shone for the Exeter Chiefs this season
He qualifies for England through his father
He was one of seven uncapped players in the squad
back-row forward Chandler Cunningham-South
centre Fraser Dingwall and flyhalf Fin Smith — while prop Kyle Sinckler and No
Jamie George was named as England's captain
with the hooker taking the role following Owen Farrell’s decision to sit out the tournament to prioritise his and his family’s mental wellbeing
George has played 85 games for England and has previously captained Saracens
“I don’t underestimate the challenge ahead," said George
who was asked last week by England coach Steve Borthwick if he wanted the role
"Owen is a fantastic motivator and tactician
and we will undoubtedly miss his leadership
“But I have got brilliant people around me
and utilising the great experience we have within the group is going to be crucial.”
Borthwick has undertaken a significant revamp of the 36-man squad
with only 17 remaining from the 34 players used at last year's Rugby World Cup — where England finished in third place
Sinckler and Vunipola have been stalwarts of the team for the previous two World Cup cycles
“Building on the foundations of what we achieved at the Rugby World Cup
I have selected a squad that provides strong continuity and experience
whilst at the same time providing an opportunity to develop the talent of a number of new and less-experienced players,” Borthwick said
England opens its Six Nations campaign against Italy in Rome on February 3
A search and rescue operation is underway for a Masterton man in his 70s missing since Sunday
John Rafferty was last seen at Masterton Railway Station about midday on May 4
The 74-year-old did not board a train and left on foot about 20 minutes later
Matheson said it was possible Rafferty was staying with a friend but police and loved ones "want to know he’s safe"
and John doesn’t have his cell phone or wallet," he said
A search team and a helicopter has been out looking for the missing man
"We are really keen to know that he’s safe."
Police have released an image from CCTV showing Rafferty on a station platform on the day of his disappearance
He was wearing a blue jacket with 'NASA' written on the back
Anyone who saw him was asked to contact police on 111
or online at 105 if there was Information after the fact
The next top cop of the troubled Victoria police force embraces his "outsider" status to curb its leadership malaise and has a stern warning for crooks
Former New Zealand Police commissioner Mike Bush won the race to become Victoria's chief commissioner after months of top-level staffing woes
The 40-year police veteran steps into the role on June 27 with a five-year contract
The Kiwi conceded the job will be no picnic
with Victoria's crime rate hitting an almost decade-high in 2024
everyone knows that," he told reporters today
"These crime issues are actually global
they are quite similar wherever you go but it's not good enough just to turn up after the act
Rising youth crime and high-profile cases of alleged offenders committing crimes while on bail spurred the Victorian government to strengthen laws in March
Bush said he was familiar with the crackdown but bail laws were just one part of the solution to tackling youth crime
along with a "prevention mindset"
He retired from the NZ police force in 2020 after joining in 1978 and spending his final six years in the top job
Whakaari/White Island volcano eruption and Covid-19 pandemic were among the biggest crises Bush confronted during his tenure
Bush also made headlines in 2022 after it emerged he had a past drink-driving conviction when unsuccessfully applying to become head of the UK's Metropolitan Police
Former New Zealand police minister Stuart Nash describedr Bush as hard but fair
He said Bush regularly met with police forces across the Tasman in his previous role and recalled travelling with him to every district across New Zealand once a year to chew the fat with communities
and then we all had biscuits and a cup of tea," Nash told AAP
"Mike is someone who had deep credibility in policing."
The state government has not handed the reins of Victoria Police to an outsider since former NSW Police assistant commissioner Christine Nixon in 2001
The Kiwi was happy to wear the "outsider" tag and is already hatching plans to hit the ground running
"I've got a lot to do to come up to speed," Bush said
"Culture is a consequence of leadership."
establishing relationships with community groups amid rising tensions and increasing police visibility on the beat were among his other top initial priorities
Victoria Police was thrust into leadership turmoil in February
with a no-confidence vote from officers costing chief commissioner Shane Patton his job
Emergency Management Commissioner Rick Nugent became acting chief and expressed an interest in making the move permanent before throwing in the towel in April
Deputy Commissioner Robert Hill will serve in an acting capacity until Bush takes over
Bush intends to speak with Patton before starting and said he wouldn't shy away from pushing back if he disagreed with the government
Premier Jacinta Allan said a recruitment agency was hired and instructed to find a leader capable of addressing the "challenges" plaguing the force
"Mike Bush is the best person for the job," she said
whose union led the no-confidence vote against Patton following a bitter pay dispute
admitted there was a disconnect between members and leaders
The state police union secretary welcomed Mr Bush's appointment and pledge to listen to the mounting workforce concerns
"We have a police force that is currently under-resourced that needs fresh officers," he said
The Commerce Commission has filed criminal charges against Woolworths NZ for alleged inaccurate pricing and misleading specials that may have breached the Fair Trading Act
The commission filed the charges against Woolworths in the Auckland District Court
It indicated in December last year that it would be filing separate criminal charges against Woolworths and two Pak'nSave supermarkets
the commission said there were ongoing issues with pricing in the supermarket sector and the operators may have breached the Fair Trading Act
deputy chair Anne Callinan said operators should know what the expectations were
"Supermarkets have long been on notice about the importance of accurate and clear pricing and specials
and we're not satisfied with the continuing issues we're seeing across the industry
"Pricing accuracy is a consumer right and an expectation of a competitive market
well-resourced businesses that should invest the time and effort to get pricing and promotions right."
She said the charges were filed to remind all supermarkets that they are expected to fix the pricing accuracy issues and implement better processes
In a statement when the charges were announced Woolworths managing director Spencer Sonn said it was important customers could trust prices advertised at their supermarkets
Woolworths said it has cooperated with the Commerce Commission's pricing investigation for some time
rnz.co.nz
Former prime minister Sir John Key says he remains optimistic about Donald Trump's domestic economic policy despite opposing the tariff strategy that has sent global markets into turmoil in recent months
who served as prime minister for eight years
was the keynote speaker at an Auckland business summit earlier today
Sir John told 1News he believed Trump would ultimately take a more moderate approach to tariffs than initially proposed
"I'm not a fan of tariff policies
I don't think they really work," he said
as I think the stock market is telling you at the moment
that actually there will be a more sensible landing place for the tariffs that he's wanting to impose."
Sir John said he "wasn't entirely surprised" at Trump's call to go ahead with the policy
"They're just a negotiating point
I think he simply put on widespread and high rates of tariffs on every country to give himself a leverage point and a negotiating point
"What I think he actually grossly underestimated was the stock market reaction
You can actually make the case that his own strategy hasn't worked
The reason the markets have recovered is because he's taken those tariffs off the most part
'I'm going to negotiate case by case'."
Sir John suggested Trump's economic policies could still generally be positive for the US
but the tariffs could be trickier for the global economy
Asked whether he stood by his October comments that Trump would be good for the economy
he said: "Do I think he's going to reduce regulatory burden in the United States
It depends on where things shake down in terms of tariffs."
Sir John acknowledged that for certain industries
Trump's policies could be "a really negative thing"
particularly if the president's proposed 100% tariff on the film industry were to be implemented
"I can't see how it would be cost-competitive to make a movie in New Zealand with a 100% tariff on it," he said
noting that films such as The Hobbit would not have been made in New Zealand without government subsidies
who now served as a director of US tech company Palo Alto Networks
said he had "always been opposed" to Trump's tariff policies but believes they won't be the "dominant part of his economic solutions"
"I don't think it's perfect from New Zealand's point of view
but I don't think we should panic either
and America will still be a very big market for us to sell things to," he said
"There are growing markets around the world
It's not a great thing from New Zealand's point of view
We've got a very sound economy with lots of options in front of us."
Sir John suggested a belief that the Republican Trump was was better "on balance" for the US economy than Democratic opponent Kamala Harris
he expressed concerns about Trump's tariff approach: "China doesn't pay those tariffs
middle-income consumers or consumers in America do
because when a tariff goes on a good that you bring into a country
He added: "I don't agree with the massive tariffs
and I don't think you'll follow through with all of that
and I certainly don't agree with this view on trade."
Shane William Pritchard has been charged with crimes he didn’t commit and chased for debts he doesn’t owe
That’s because the Dunedin man is not the only Shane William Pritchard in town
While the duo’s shared name and age has sometimes been a handy loophole for one Shane
for the other it has caused problems for 36 years
It’s been years of fearing every knock on the door
Years of wondering if he’ll be hand-cuffed and taken to jail
to be honest,” says Shane William Pritchard
a scout and a member of the Air Training Corp
remembers getting quite a shock when her friend called one evening
She'd been acting as a referee for a gun licence for Shane
whose friend informed her that the police had a long list of offences against Shane’s name
Not long after that the police turned up to where Shane was working at the local tannery to arrest him
“You're scrambling in your head to think of ways that you can prove it's not you.”
Another Shane William Pritchard had been born in Otago
They were separated by just two weeks and about 50 miles – one growing up in Mosgiel
the other in Milton – but also by the lives they’d been leading
To watch the full video story go to TVNZ+
Shane from Milton had huge problems focusing at school
He was raised in foster care and then boys’ homes
I just wanted to look cool and get in trouble,” he tells Fair Go
Milton Shane was used to run-ins with police
he got pulled over in his car and asked about his driving licence
one’s got a licence and the other hasn’t.’ And I’m like ‘obviously it must be the one with a licence’.”
he went to his bank to draw out an ACC payment and was asked which bank account was his
He says that at that point he was trying to figure out what was going on
“I thought it was just an error.” But he took advantage of the situation and withdrew a large sum of cash
Mosgiel Shane became aware of the withdrawal when a scheduled car payment was declined
and when Milton Shane turned up at the bank to withdraw more money
Identity fraud was considered but Milton Shane was legitimately expecting an ACC payment
so the withdrawal appeared to be a genuine mistake and the police couldn’t take any action
'Anything I could get away with
Mosgiel Shane thought the bank incident would have alerted police to the problem
But his nemesis had cottoned on to the advantages of having a second identity to use
Milton Shane acquired a suite of furniture on hire-purchase
Milton-Shane clocked up more driving offences
Mosgiel Shane thought about changing his name but realised he’d have to provide his previous name in the process
the courts and debt collectors such as Baycorp should be able to distinguish between himself and Milton Shane
The police first addressed the issue in the 1990s after Mosgiel Shane went to the media
He was given a letter to carry with him should he be apprehended
He and his parents felt his situation wasn’t being taken seriously
Mosgiel Shane went to the media a second time in the mid-2000s
the police gave their word that a record in their system would stop the misidentification from happening again
This does appear to have worked as far as police action goes
But while Mosgiel Shane was given the same reassurance by the Ministry of Justice
he continued to receive demands from the courts for unpaid fines
He’d also get stopped and questioned whenever he left the country for work trips or holidays
It took a huge toll on Mosgiel Shane’s mental health
not realising the constant stress it placed on his life
John Pritchard says that at times his son felt his life wasn’t worth living
worrying about what he was going to do to himself and that really ate me up.”
he and his son were in tears as Shane admitted he was at breaking point
He described going for days at a time unable to eat or sleep wondering what might happen next
"Am I going to be in a position where they've got me in handcuffs or I've got debt collectors coming to the door?" ...You're spiralling into this black hole." He started taking anti-anxiety medication which helped
And events regarding Milton Shane seemed to settle
Milton Shane was charged for fishing without a licence in Twizel and failing to comply with fisheries officers
But a court registrar incorrectly entered the birth date of Mosgiel Shane in the system
both Shanes were being chased to pay the $1530 fine
It was Mosgiel Shane who spotted the error and rang the court
He also sent a statement from his manager saying he’d not been fishing in Twizel that day
The reply he got was to say he’d been given the wrong form and that they wouldn’t accept his proof
They just wanted to know how I was going to pay the fine.”
The first Milton Shane knew about this was when Fair Go told him Mosgiel Shane had been chased for the fine
He was told to pay up or face the consequences
feeling he shouldn’t have to pay good money to correct someone else’s mistake
But it cost Mosgiel Shane over $5000 in legal fees
and took months of back and forth between him
“Why should anybody have to pay their own money to right somebody else's wrongs and prove who they are
I’m sick and tired of proving who I am all the time.”
He wanted the Ministry of Justice to take responsibility and reimburse him for his legal costs
saying court staff such as the registrar in this case have immunity if they make mistakes such as the one made here
and if I make a mistake and it's affecting my client
that it's going to cost them money to rectify a mistake that I've made.”
he deserves a million apologies from those guys,” she says
Milton Shane told Fair Go he still gets in trouble
but wants the other Shane to know he doesn’t use his birth date anymore
And he had a message for him: “We’ve got to get it sorted for you
so you can have a good life with you and your family because I’m trying to get my life together with my son and my grandson”
He offers to meet to see if they can sort it out together
but I’m not interested in meeting him,.” says Mosgiel Shane
He says he doesn’t hold any grudges and accepts Milton Shane’s apology
And he believes the only way for that to happen is for the courts and the Ministry of Justice to give him a guarantee that mix-ups won’t occur in the future
Fair Go asked the Ministry of Justice to appear in person to apologise and provide reassurance to Shane of its plans to guard against these mistakes
The Ministry declined our request to be on camera saying any comment on an individual case would compromise the independence of the courts as the Ministry operates separately
But it did send a written apology directly to Mosgiel Shane
It also admitted mistakes can occur in clerical records
but said instructions were clear and the importance of getting things right had been emphasised to staff
Mosgiel Shane isn’t totally convinced that’s the end of it
“All I want is for the Ministry of Justice and the courts to do their job
I'd like to live without this hanging over me all the time
his criminal check has come back showing a clean slate
A person has died following a crash on Auckland's south-western motorway this morning
The single vehicle crash was reported to police shortly before 5am
the sole occupant of this vehicle died at the scene," a police spokesperson said
"Earlier closures of northbound lanes have now lifted
and police advise motorists to continue to expect delays as earlier backlogs clear
"We appreciate motorists' understanding this morning while emergency services carried out their work."
Police said the serious crash unit examined the scene this morning
and an investigation was underway into this morning's crash on behalf of the Coroner
This is in addition to an earlier crash on Auckland's northern motorway near the Auckland Harbour Bridge
Emergency services responded to a two-truck collision on the northern motorway
near the Auckland Harbour Bridge shortly after 5am
New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) said all lanes south on State Highway 1 were open again following this earlier crash
with five lanes available on the Harbour Bridge
"Allow extra time for delays on the Northern Motorway to slowly ease this morning three lanes going south were now open again between Onewa Rd and the Harbour Bridge," NZTA said
The government is making it harder to make a claim for pay equity that will cut costs
There have been massive pay equity claims in recent years for nurses and resthome workers
Workplace Minister Brooke van Velden announced the moves to raise the threshold for proving work has been historically undervalued to support a claim
on Tuesday saying changes back in 2020 had created problems
"Claims have been able to progress without strong evidence of undervaluation and there have been very broad claims where it is difficult to tell whether differences in pay are due to sex-based discrimination or other factors."
Claims were concentrated in the public sector
with costs to the Crown of all settlements so far totalling $1.78 billion a year
"The changes I am proposing will significantly reduce costs to the Crown," she said
"The changes will discontinue current pay equity claims."
Van Velden told Midday Report she believes in pay equity but the current thresholds were "a bit too loose"
Asked how she ensure women were not hurt by this
the minister said "I'm a woman and I support women who work"
"I also support removing gender based discriminations from our workforces but what I don't support are muddied laws and unclear laws," she said
"So these changes are better for all women who are working where we can genuinely say hand on heart that what they are finding with their claims is genuine gender based discrimination."
Van Velden told reporters at Parliament any current claims would be stopped and need to restart under the new threshold
to show "genuine" gender discrimination and make sure the comparators were right
She gave a figure of 33 current claims that would be stopped
as the legislation was put through under urgency
"You have librarians who've been comparing themselves to transport engineers
We have admin and clerical staff at Health New Zealand comparing themselves to mechanical engineers."
Social workers had compared themselves to air traffic controllers
"We don't believe we have that setting right."
Any comparison would now be between female employees and male employees at the same employer
"But you cannot go fishing for discrimination across the New Zealand workforce."
All current settled claims would continue but the government was drawing "a line in the sand"
"We're not stopping claims."
The nurse's union has this year had at least 10 pay equity claims in play
The PSA union has said pay equity claims and settlements had resulted in significant improvements in pay and working conditions for many workers
The union said the changes would make it "impossible for people in female-dominated professions to be paid fairly"
"Women across the country will pay the price for this," PSA national secretary Fleur Fitzsimons said
"The government's changes today are a dark day for New Zealand women as the government says it will repeal the pay equity law and extinguish 33 existing claims in a constitutional overreach
"The PSA is exploring all possible avenues to oppose these unconstitutional amendments and stop this attack on women
We will not be deterred in our fight to achieve pay equity for all."
"This is a blatant and shameful attack on women," New Zealand Nurses organisation chief executive Paul Goulter said
"Women in workforces predominantly performed by female employees have been underpaid and undervalued for generations
That is what pay equity claims seek to rectify," he said
"This move by the government will widen the pay gap between men and women."
The union had at least 10 pay current pay claims across Aged Care
These cover many nurses and support workers
The E tū union also called the changes an attack on women and a green light to pay them less for work of equal value
The government was pulling the rug out from under a 13-year-long fight in aged care
"These changes are not about evidence — they are about saving money by keeping women underpaid," national secretary Rachel Mackintosh said in a statement
A number of unions have called a snap rally at Parliament at 1pm today in light of the announcement
the Council of Trade Unions and representatives of other unions say they will be "protesting the government's attack on women and the destruction of progress on pay equity..."
rnz.co.nz
Hawke's Bay iwi Ngāti Kahungunu has been unsuccessful in its bid to buy back the mountain Kahurānaki
but the iwi says its connection to the land will always remain
Kahurānaki Station - a 1156 hectare sheep and beef farm south of Havelock North which includes the peak of the mountain - came up for sale earlier this year and the iwi launched a fundraising campaign to buy it
The campaign to bring the Kahurānaki back into Māori ownership was called He Maunga Ka Taea
and included a 10-day hīkoi from Māhia to Kahurānaki
It raised more than $95,000 on crowd funding platform koha.kiwi
Hastings-based post-settlement governance entity Tamatea Pōkai Whenua Trust submitted a tender on behalf of the iwi
Chairman Pōhatu Paku said the trust was the only local entity to tender for the Station and they were saddened and disappointed by the outcome
The trust had approached the tender on the basis it was presented
Paku acknowledged the young and emerging iwi members who had generated the groundswell of support for the tender and for the longer term status of the mountain
ki tēnā o tātau e titikaha nei ki tēnei kaupapa
I just want to acknowledge and mihi to everybody that has connected with this kaupapa
Paku said the trust would be engaging with the station's new owners at an appropriate time to convey the iwi's history and also set out their aspirations
"The continuation of the protection of our wāhi tapu (sacred sites) is significantly important to us
Continued access to the mountain would also be a high priority
"The previous owners were quite open for Kura for people running kaupapa and also those that wished to ascend the maunga they allowed that
they identified that it was culturally significant to us all."
Paku said Tamatea Pōkai Whenua will need to foster the groundswell of support and leadership that the He Maunga Ka Taea campaign had generated
"The whakapapa connections and taonga that is Kahurānaki maunga remain
our greatest advantage is that we live in perpetuity and our maunga and our tīpuna live with us and they continue to be ours
"And like all of our tūtohu whenua (landmarks) our maunga carries our traditions and our identity and our histories and we remain uncompromising to act in the best interests of our tūtohu whenua both for this generation and for future generations."
Paku said the trust may look at legal personhood as another avenue to protect the mountain
but ultimately he said the maunga remains an ancestor and retains its own mana which no one can ever own
rnz.co.nz
Lady Gaga gave a free concert Saturday night in front of 2 million fans who poured onto Copacabana Beach for the biggest show of her career
(...) Thank you for making history with me,” Lady Gaga told a screaming crowd
kicked off the show at around 22.10pm local time with her 2011 song Bloody Mary
Cries of joy rose from the tightly-packed fans who sang and danced shoulder-to-shoulder on the vast stretch of sand
Concert organisers said 2.1 million people attended the show
switching between an array of dresses including one with the colours of the Brazilian flag
Some fans – many of them young – arrived on the beach at the crack of dawn to secure a good spot
“Today is the best day of my life,” said Manoela Dobes
a 27-year-old designer who was wearing a dress plastered with a photograph from when she met Lady Gaga in the United States in 2019
Madonna also turned Copacabana Beach into a massive dance floor last year
The large-scale performances are part of an effort led by City Hall to boost economic activity after Carnival and New Years’ Eve festivities and the upcoming month-long Saint John’s Day celebrations in June
“It brings activity to the city during what was previously considered the low season – filling hotels and increasing spending in bars
generating jobs and income for the population,” said Osmar Lima
the city’s secretary of economic development
in a statement released by Rio City Hall’s tourism department last month
Rio’s City Hall said in a recent report that around 1.6 million people were expected to attend Lady Gaga's concert and that the show should inject at least 600 million reais (NZ$178.3 million) into Rio’s economy
Similar concerts are scheduled to take place every year in May at least until 2028
Lady Gaga arrived in Rio in the early hours of Tuesday
The city has been alive with Gaga-mania since
as it geared up to welcome the pop star for her first show in the country since 2012
Rio’s metro employees danced to Lady Gaga’s 2008 hit song LoveGame and gave instructions for today in a video
A free exhibition celebrating her career sold out
While the vast majority of attendees were from Rio
the event also attracted Brazilians from across the country and international visitors
More than 500,000 tourists poured into the city in the days leading up to the show
according to data from the local bus station and Tom Jobim airport
Rio’s City Hall said in a statement yesterday
made a cross-continent trip from Colombia to Brazil to attend the show
“I’ve been a 100% fan of Lady Gaga my whole life,” said Serrano
who was wearing a T-shirt featuring Lady Gaga’s outlandish costumes over the years
the mega-star represents “total freedom of expression – being who one wants without shame”
Rio officials have a history of organising huge concerts on Copacabana Beach
Madonna’s show drew an estimated 1.6 million fans last year
while 4 million people flooded onto the beach for a 1994 New Year’s Eve show by Rod Stewart in 1994
that was the biggest free rock concert in history
sixteen sound towers were spread along the beach
Rio state’s security plan included the presence of 3300 military and 1500 police officers
Among those present were Lady Gaga admirers who remember their disappointment in 2017
when the artist cancelled a performance scheduled in Rio at the last minute due to health issues
“She's the best artist in the world,” the 25-year-old said
I love you” in Portuguese rose from the crowd behind him
whose real name is Ella Yelich O'Connor
which also displayed what appears to be the album cover art — an X-ray of a pelvis
"100% written in blood," the website read
The new album's announcement came a week after she released her latest single What Was That
The song's music video was filmed at a mysterious pop-up event in New York City's Washington Square Park that was initially shut down by police. The event ended up going ahead after all, and fans who stayed got to hear the new song for the first time.
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It was the first sign of a follow-up to Lorde's previous album, 2021's Solar Power. Her other albums were 2013's Pure Heroine and 2017's Melodrama.
Last year, she collaborated with British singer Charli XCX on a remix of Girl, so confusing — on a re-release of the Grammy award-winning Brat.
Virgin is Lorde's fourth studio album.
Kim Kardashian thought she was going to be raped and killed when criminals broke into her bedroom in central Paris, tied her up and stole more than US$6 million in jewellery.
More than eight years later, 10 people will go on trial in Paris over the robbery, abduction and kidnapping of the media personality and the concierge of the residence where she was staying during Paris Fashion Week the night of October 2, 2016.
Kardashian’s lawyers said she will testify in person at the trial starting Monday and scheduled to run through May 23.
"Ms Kardashian is reserving her testimony for the court and jury and does not wish to elaborate further at this time," they said.
"She has great respect and admiration for the French justice system and has been treated with great respect by the French authorities.
"She wishes the trial to proceed in an orderly fashion, in accordance with French law and with respect for all parties to the case."
In interviews and on her family’s reality TV show, Kardashian has described being terrified as robbers pointed a gun at her.
In a 2020 appearance on David Letterman’s Netflix show, she tearfully recalled thinking: "This is the time I’m going to get raped. I’m like, ‘What is happening? Are we gonna die? Just tell them I have children. I have babies, I have a husband, I have a family.'"
Twelve people were originally expected in the defendants’ box.
One of them has died, and another is seriously ill and can't be tried. According to the investigation, five of the 10 defendants were present at the scene of the robbery.
The French press has dubbed them The Granddad Robbers because the main defendants are elderly and have careers as bank robbers with long criminal records.
Kardashian told investigators she was taken to a bathroom next to her bedroom and placed in the bathtub. Her attackers fled on bicycles or on foot and she managed to free herself by removing the tape from her hands and mouth.
She had also removed the tape from her feet and rushed to her stylist’s room. She called her sister Kourtney to tell her about the theft.
Shortly afterwards, Kardashian told investigators that she had not been injured. She filed a complaint, adding that she wanted to leave France as soon as possible to be reunited with her children.
According to her testimony and that of the concierge, at least one of the suspects had a handgun, with which he threatened the victims.
The gangsters stole many pieces of jewellery, including a ring of great value, estimated to be worth more than US$6 million (NZ$10 million). Only one piece of jewellery — a diamond cross on platinum that was lost during the suspects' escape — has been recovered.
Two of the accused have partially confessed to the crime, as their DNA was found at the crime scene.
The alleged ringleader, 68-year-old Aomar Aït Khedache, is one of two suspected robbers who allegedly entered the apartment. Nicknamed "Old Omar", his genetic profile was found on the tape used to gag Kardashian.
He left the hotel on a bicycle, as did two other robbers, then met his son, who was waiting for him in a parked car at a nearby train station.
The second robber said he tied up the concierge with cables but did not go up to Kardashian’s apartment. Yunice Abbas, 71, said he acted as a lookout in the ground-floor reception area, making sure the escape route was clear.
He said he was unarmed and did not personally threaten Kardashian, but admitted he shared responsibility for the crime. Abbas was arrested in January 2017 and spent 21 months in prison before being released under judicial supervision.
In 2021, he co-authored a French-language book titled I Sequestered Kim Kardashian.
Didier Dubreucq, 69, known as "Blue Eyes", is the second alleged robber suspected of entering the flat.
He denies any involvement, although he was filmed by CCTV cameras and numerous telephone contacts with the other co-defendants show his involvement, according to the investigation.
The other defendants are suspected of providing information about Kardashian’s presence in the apartment.
Others are accused of playing a role in the resale of the jewellery in Antwerp, Belgium.
First-time nominees Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker and Bad Company will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame — in a class that also includes pop star Cyndi Lauper, the hip-hop pioneers Outkast, the rock duo the White Stripes and grunge masters Soundgarden.
Salt-N-Pepa, the first female rap act to achieve gold and platinum status, and the late singer-songwriter Warren Zevon will get the Musical Influence Award. The late record producer Thom Bell, pianist Nicky Hopkins and bassist Carol Kaye will each get the Musical Excellence Award.
The late Cocker, who sang at Woodstock and was best known for his cover of The Beatles’ With a Little Help From My Friends, had the backing of Billy Joel, Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top and Pete Thomas, a member of Elvis Costello & The Attractions, who argued that Cocker is "about as rock and roll as it gets".
Soundgarden — with the late Chris Cornell as singer — get into the Hall on their third nomination. They follow two other grunge acts in the Hall — Nirvana and Pearl Jam. Bad Company get in having become radio fixtures with such arena-rock staples as Feel Like Makin’ Love, Can’t Get Enough and Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy.
The Ahmet Ertegun Award — given to nonperforming industry professionals who had a major influence on music — will go to Lenny Waronker, a former head of Warner Bros. Records who signed Prince and R.E.M., and had a part in records from Madonna, Randy Newman, the Doobie Brothers, Rickie Lee Jones, Paul Simon and Gary Clark Jr.
Some nominees that didn't get in this year included Mariah Carey, Phish, Billy Idol, Joy Division/New Order, Maná, the Black Crowes and Oasis.
Checker’s recording of The Twist, and subsequent Let’s Twist Again are considered among the most popular songs in the history of rock 'n' roll. The 83-year-old has expressed frustration that he hadn't been granted entry before, including telling the AP in 2014: "I don’t want to get in there when I’m 85 years old. I’ll tell them to drop dead, so you better do it quick while I’m still smiling."
Lauper rose to fame in the 1980s with hits such as Time After Time and Girls Just Want To Have Fun and went on to win a Tony Award for Kinky Boots. OutKast, made up of André 3000 and Big Boi, have six Grammys and a reputation for pushing the boundaries of hip-hop. The White Stripes — made up of Jack White and Meg White — were indie darlings in the early 2000s with such songs as Seven Nation Army.
Artists must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years before they’re eligible for induction. The induction ceremony will take place in Los Angeles this fall.
Nominees were voted on by more than 1200 artists, historians and music industry professionals. The selection criteria include "an artist’s impact on other musicians, the scope and longevity of their career and body of work, as well as their innovation and excellence in style and technique".
Last year, Mary J. Blige, Cher, Foreigner, A Tribe Called Quest, Kool & The Gang, Ozzy Osbourne, Dave Matthews Band and singer-guitarist Peter Frampton were inducted.
securing a commanding 50–17 victory over a youthful England side in Marcoussis
Winger Jakkie Cilliers starred with a personal haul of 20 points
scoring two tries and adding five conversions in blustery conditions
Image: AYANDA NDAMANE Independent Newspapers
The Springbok Women kicked off their European tour in dominant fashion on Saturday
securing a commanding 50-17 victory over a youthful England side in Marcoussis
With a powerful scrum performance and some slick counterattacking rugby
the South Africans outclassed their opponents
scoring eight tries in total to cap off a successful first week on tour
Her clinical finishing and accurate kicking provided the polish on a South African performance built on set-piece dominance and attacking flair
Solid Foundations and Satisfying Execution
Assistant coach Franzel September praised the performance and the progress shown by the squad so early in the season
and that was a huge positive,” said September after the match
“We had a number of camps leading up to this tour
and to now have the players go out and execute those learnings was a good yardstick for us.”
September acknowledged there were still areas to improve but noted that the overall picture was encouraging
but that was expected in the team's first match of the season
With the team now heading to Spain for the next leg of their tour
the Bok Women will take confidence from this result into their upcoming Test fixture
September noted that the week in France provided valuable preparation
“We’ve seen all the players in action and have a good sense of where they are,” he said
“I’m sure Bafana Nhleko was happy with the defence
while the forwards coaches are also smiling
and seeing that aspect function so well was pleasing.”
The tone was set early when the Bok pack earned a penalty at the first scrum
immediately putting England under pressure
hooker Luchell Hanekom powered over for the opening try
Maceala Samboya dazzled with a stunning solo effort
weaving past defenders before dotting down under the posts
who finished off a lineout drive after South Africa turned over possession deep in their own territory
They added a second through Sophie Hopkins after a fortuitous bounce from a well-placed kick
England's spirited first-half response cut the deficit to just four points midway through the first half
8 Aseza Hele muscled her way over after a dominant scrum
Cilliers crossed for her first try following a flowing move sparked by Samboya and centre Aphiwe Ngwevu
As both sides rang the changes after halftime
it was the Bok women who found their rhythm first
Replacement hooker Xolelwa Diliza marked her debut in national colours with a try from a turnover
and Cilliers slotted the conversion to stretch the lead to 31–10
England briefly threatened a comeback when Millie David scored a breakaway try
but South Africa closed out the match in emphatic style
Prop Nombuyekeso Mdliki was rewarded for a powerful maul with a try of her own
and Cilliers completed her brace shortly thereafter thanks to a brilliant team counterattack that saw fullback Byrhandre Dolf step through traffic before offloading to the wing
Chumisa Qawe rounded off the scoring after another sweeping move exposed England's defence once more
with the Bok women showing their depth and cohesion across the park
the Springbok Women have laid down a strong marker
If Saturday’s performance is anything to go by
there’s plenty to be excited about as the tour continues
Final Score: Springbok Women 50 (24) – England 17 (10)
Chumisa Qawe Conversions: Jakkie Cilliers (5)
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Home » Broadcast Business » L-Acoustics expands its facilities in France
L-Acoustics has announced the opening of three new facilities dedicated to production
With yearly double digit growth over the last decade
the company is expanding its manufacturing capacity in order to respond to market demand
The new facilities will enable L-Acoustics to increase production significantly by the end of 2015
A new logistics facility has been operational since early 2015
close to the company’s headquarters in Marcoussis
The new warehouse increases the company’s logistics facilities to 8,200m2
The new warehouse was joined by the March inauguration of a new production facility
next to the company’s business headquarters
the brand new assembly site boasts 3,000m2 dedicated to the manufacture of L-Acoustics sound systems and doubles the current production size
which previously contained both production and business teams
will now be fully dedicated to business operations and research and development
located in the Strasbourg region of France will also double in size with the opening of a new 5,000m2 purpose-built carpentry and paint factory
which is currently under construction and will open in the last quarter of 2015
said: “With the rapid worldwide adoption of reference products like K2
L-Acoustics has been blessed with phenomenal growth
The expansion of our logistics and production facilities will allow us to grow in lockstep with the increasing demand.”
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based in Belgium prepares lunch for the Harambee Stars team at their base in Marcoussis in June 13
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Jun 13 – Harambee Stars players were beginning to get a little bit homesick
not much because they are missing their people back at home
to get used to the food at their training base in Marcoussis
The players were in low tones complaining that the food provided at their training facility didn’t appeal much to them and they needed a Kenyan touch on the menu to give them full satisfaction as well as a taste of what they are used to back home
Winger Ayub Timbe reached out to a long term friend in Belgium
a Kenyan Chef who has been in Europe for the last 13 years and had been providing him with a taste of home food during his stint before he moved to China
arrived at their base in Paris from Belgium and set out their lunch and dinner as well as breakfast for the next day
“I feel really honored to be coming here to serve my nation in this capacity
I have served the nation in different capacities but this is special to me most importantly because I am a former sportsman and most of these players have been my friends for a long time,” Nzomo told Capital Sport
based in Belgium arrives in the Kitchen at the National Rugby Centre to prepare food for the Harambee Stars team at their base in Marcoussis in June 13
The professional Chef who worked at the Kenyan embassy in Brussels from 2006 to 2013 having arrived in Belgium from the Fairview Hotel in Nairobi
previously played hockey from Menengai High School to Nakuru Athletic Club and coached several schools around the capital city before venturing into career
He is currently working in Belgium at one of the biggest bio organic hotels in the capital Brussels
“I have known most of these players from when they were starting
I have seen them grow… the likes of Aboud (Omar)
and a host of many other Kenyans who have been in Belgium
It gives me so much joy seeing them here preparing for the Cup of Nations and further being here serving them and serving my country
it’s like a dream come true,” the Chef stated
“I have known him for a while and he is a good guy
Finally we will get to eat some bit of Kenyan food
With the Chefs at the facility having already prepared a menu and planned for the entire stay of the team in Marcoussis
Kenyan chef Tony Nzomo poses with one of the chefs in the Kitchen at the National Rugby Centre to prepare food for the Harambee Stars team at their base in Marcoussis in June 13
Samosas etc so I will try to make some for them
There is a plan already so for me it is just to better what is there like add some spices to make the food tastier and get a bit of a Kenyan feel in the chicken
the rice etc,” explained the professional chef
Nzomo who has his own Facebook recipe page with almost 60,000 followers will also accompany the team to Cairo for the Africa Cup of Nations
It is a common practice for teams to travel with their own culinary teams for major tournaments
When Portugal camped at this same facility ahead of their conquest in the 2016 Euros
they shut down the place and came with their own kitchen team
A viral photo a few years back showed Kenya’s national women’s volleyball team
heading out of the airport with bales of maize flour as they went out to Japan for a World Championship event
diet is one of the most fundamental things
“I have been a sportsman before and I know what needs are there and what kinds of food they should eat for example less fats
a bit of carbohydrates… so that makes me well placed to be here,” Nzomo added
the Stars players are going to enjoy some bit of ugali for lunch
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Harambee Stars players Ismail Gonzalez (left) and Eric Johannah (right) check in for training in Marcoussis
Jun 7 – National football team Harambee Stars are in their sixth day of residential training in Marcoussis
a suburb of the French capital France ahead of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) which kicks off on June 21 in Cairo
The team is being hosted at the French Rugby Federation headquarters which also hosts a state-of-the-art training complex complete with all facilities needed for top level training
The French men and women’s teams for both 15s and 7s train at this complex and in a few days
Stars will share the same facility with the 15s side preparing for the Rugby World Cup which will be held in Japan from September
the Portuguese national team camped at the facility ahead of their 2016 Euro contest where Cristiano Ronaldo and co were put through their paces at the same complex Victor Wanyama and the rest of his teammates are training
Harambee Stars goalkeepers Faruk Shikalo and John Oyemba arrive at the training complex in Marcoussis
Harambee Stars head coach Sebastien Migne shares a point with one of his assistants Francis Kimanzi at the training complex in Marcoussis
Harambee Stars defender Musa Mohammed and former Gor Mahia teammate Teddy Akumu arrive at the training complex in Marcoussis
Harambee Stars skipper Victor Wanyama warms up with the ball before a training session after arriving in Marcoussis
Harambee Stars head coach Sebastien Migne explains a point to Eric Johannah during a training session in Marcoussis
Harambee Stars head coach Sebastien Migne explains a point during a training session in Marcoussis
wingers Ayub Timbe and Paul Were arrive at the training complex in Marcoussis
Michael Olunga and Brian Mandela arrive at the training complex in Marcoussis
Harambee Stars head coach Sebastien Migne lays out his cones before a training session in Marcoussis
Harambee Stars head coach Sebastien Migne shares thoughts with his technical team during a training session in Marcoussis
Harambee Stars players listen in as head coach Sebastien Migne passes instruction during a training session in Marcoussis
you run in the opposite direction,” – This session by head coach Sebastien Migne was aimed at improving the players’ concentration and reaction
Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama enjoys a joke during a training session in Marcoussis
Harambee Stars defender David Owino during a training session in Marcoussis
Harambee Stars defender Philemon Otieno tackles teammate Paul during a training session in Marcoussis
Harambee Stars head coach Sebastien Migne explains a point as winger Ayub Timbe listens in during a training session in Marcoussis
Michael Olunga takes in the strides during his first training session after arriving in Marcoussis
This was how Harambee Stars vice captain Musa Mohammed’s team-mates decided to wish him a happy birthday during a training session in Marcoussis
Sports CS Amina Mohammed is briefed by Football Kenya Federation president Nick Mwendwa and head of delegation Muriithi Nabea when she visited the team at their training complex in Marcoussis
June 10 – Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohammed says the government will invest more on putting up high level sporting infrastructure
outlining this will be one key ingredient of ensuring national teams perform better at international competitions
The CS pointed out she was challenged after visiting the National Centre of Rugby in Marcoussis
Paris where Harambee Stars is putting up a three-week training camp for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)
we are encouraged to spend more on federations
It is amazing that you can have such a facility and now that we are trying to make Kasarani and Nyayo
I can see the standard to which we must bring all infrastructure and facilities,” Amina told Capital Sport in France
“Touring this facility has been a real eye opener and informative
I have learnt quite a lot on what needs to be put in place for a team to have the support it needs to participate internationally
These are lessons and good practices we will take back which we think we should emulate
we have learnt what makes teams great,” she further stated
The National Rugby Centre in Marcoussis is a complete training complex with all manner of facilities and equipment including three outdoor pitches
a recovery pool among other facilities used at top level training
The venue was selected by Stars head coach Sebastien Migne
It is tucked away 35km from the capital Paris and is in a serene
Sports CS Amina Mohammed tours the Harambee Stars training facility when she visited the team at their training complex in Marcoussis
The centre is used by all French national rugby teams including the men and women’s 7s and 15s teams as well as the junior sides
The French Rugby Federation (FFR) also hires out the facility to different teams wishing to train there
the FFR complex in Marcoussis hosted the Portugal national team when they won the Euros hosted in France in 2016 with Cristiano Ronaldo and Co completely shutting down the expansive facility and roads adjacent to train
Amina says she was pleased that the amount of money they spent on Harambee Stars has been put to good use and believes the complex has given good value for money
She was taken round the entire facility from the players’ rooms
The government gave Stars a budget of Sh244mn
a huge chunk of which was channeled to acquiring the Marcoussis facility
“This is absolutely good (value for money)
I am happy I came and I can see what this money has done
It’s the first time we are spending such amounts of money on a national team and at least we can show this as an example
as a model going forward that the money provided by government is put to good use,”
Sports CS Amina Mohammed chats with striker Michael Olunga when she visited the team at their training complex in Marcoussis
“I had a session with the players and they are pleased with the support they are getting and the facility so we are happy that it’s money well spent
Already we can see the fruits of the support we gave after the Madagascar game,” Amina stated
FKF president has said the onus is now on the team to ensure they translate that support received from the government to results on the pitch when they head out to Egypt for the Cup of Nations next week
The cooperation between government and federation before hasn’t been where it is supposed to be but now you can see that government has not only funded us but is here to see what work we are doing to ensure that the support is there and available,”
“I can only say thank you and we will continue to do the good job
We have received the best support and the players can say that the job is only beginning
There is a big job to be done,” Mwendwa commented
Amina has promised the players that she will be there in Egypt to give them the necessary support as they aim to do well in their first Cup of Nations since 2004