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  • Springbok Women’s Sevens: Roos to Captain Team in Uruguay Tournament | Fixtures & Squad News

    Nadine Roos will captain the South African Women’s Sevens team as they begin their campaign at a crucial tournament in Uruguay on Saturday, facing Spain, China and Brazil in the opening day’s matches. Further encounters against Kenya and Argentina are scheduled for Sunday, with the competition employing a round-robin format where points accumulated will determine the ultimate winner.

    The team’s performance follows a second-place finish at the opening tournament in Kenya last month, a result that positioned them favorably among the four teams vying for qualification to the World Championships. Another strong showing in Uruguay, coupled with a final qualifying tournament in Brazil next weekend, could solidify their chances.

    “Without getting ahead of ourselves, the goal is to walk away winners from this tournament,” Roos stated from Uruguay. She emphasized a pragmatic approach, acknowledging the lessons learned from the Kenyan competition. “We take nothing for granted from the Kenya tournament, only the log points. We edged Spain, lost to Brazil and it was only against China that we could really gain a large win. So we start all over again with our mindset that of expecting the unexpected.”

    Roos anticipates a challenging series of matches, noting the motivations of their opponents. “Spain will feel they were close enough to overturn the result, Brazil have the confidence of beating us and China will be looking for revenge. So we are well aware that all of them will be coming for us.” The immediate focus, she said, is on the match against Spain. “The first challenge is Spain and we are just looking at that match and what will be required for the win. Once we crossed that hurdle, we can look at the next challenge.”

    Recent recipient of the SA Rugby Women’s Player of the Year award, Roos highlighted areas of improvement identified during training at their Stellenbosch base. “Our function-ons was in transitioning from defence to attack, we were not at our best in that aspect in Kenya,” she explained. “As well, defence is an attitude and ours will be not to miss any tackles and put in significant hits.”

    A delayed departure to South America presented logistical challenges, but Roos affirmed the team’s adaptability. “We adapted our training schedule, the team doctor adjusted our sleeping schedule and we accepted that the delay was out of our hands. So we arrived in a good space, had a good training session and will be ready on Saturday.”

    The team was able to watch the Blitzboks’ victory over Fiji in the final of the HSBC SVNS Latest York while in transit, a performance that served as inspiration. “The Blitzboks really inspired us – we watched the final and that was special,” Roos said. “The way they stayed in the fight in that last minute to keep Fiji out was true to the core of our sevens system and we want to do the same when in a similiar situation. That was a good case study of how the system will look after you if you stick to it and trust it. We want to do the same this weekend. It was a case of the winner takes it all and they had the will power to outlast Fiji.”

    Maceala Samboya and Shanidiné Bezuidenhout are poised to make their debuts for the Springbok Women’s Sevens this weekend.

    Springbok Women’s Sevens fixtures (SA times, all matches live on SuperSport):

    • Saturday 21 March 16h23: Spain
    • Saturday 21 March 18h46: China
    • Saturday 21 March 21h36: Brazil
    • Sunday 22 March 19h23: Kenya
    • Sunday 22 March 22h39: Argentina

    Springbok Women’s Sevens squad for Montevideo:

    • #3 Patience Mokone
    • #7 Maria Tshiremba
    • #9 Nadine Roos (captain)
    • #10 Byrhandré Dolf
    • #12 Liske Lategan
    • #14 Simamkele Namba
    • #16 Shiniqwa Lamprecht
    • #19 Shanidiné Bezuidenhout (uncapped)
    • #20 Catha Jacobs
    • #23 Ayanda Malinga
    • #26 Lerato Makua
    • #27 Maceala Samboya (uncapped)
    • #28 Shannon-Lee Windvogel

  • Ernstberger Book Deal Blocked by Bankruptcy Estate | Latest News

    The bankruptcy estate of Alexander Ernstberger has invalidated a recent attempt by the disgraced Allra founder to transfer the rights to his book, “Staten mot kapitalet” (The State vs. Capital), to a company controlled by his father, according to reports from Swedish financial news outlets.

    The move, which aimed to channel royalties from the book’s sales to a family-owned entity, was blocked by Nils Åberg, Ernstberger’s bankruptcy administrator. Ernstberger, who has sold over 30,000 copies of the self-published book, had transferred the economic rights to the book to the company after being declared bankrupt. Åberg determined that Ernstberger lacked the authority to make such an agreement following the bankruptcy ruling, according to Dagens PS.

    Here’s not the first instance of Ernstberger attempting to shield assets from creditors. Previously, he attempted to transfer ownership of a luxury villa on Lidingö to his wife, a move that led to prosecution – though he was ultimately acquitted – on charges of gross breach of trust towards creditors, Dagens PS reported.

    Ernstberger was sentenced to six years in prison in 2021 for aggravated fraud and breach of trust related to the Allra scandal, a case involving the mis-selling of pension savings. The original debt to the Swedish Pensions Agency, initially 170 million kronor, has now grown to 300 million kronor with accrued interest, Dagens PS detailed. He remains subject to a ban on conducting business for several years.

    In the book, Ernstberger maintains his innocence and alleges a conspiracy by the state and media to dismantle Allra, claiming it was motivated by the Social Democrats’ desire to reform the premium pension system, Småspararguiden reported. The book sells for 270 kronor.

    During a recent interview, Ernstberger stated he does not receive payment for the book itself, but rather benefits from having his story told. “I’m not asking to be paid for it,” he said, according to Småspararguiden. The destination of the book’s revenue remains unclear.

    The bankruptcy estate’s intervention follows a report by Expressen detailing the transfer of funds to Ernstberger’s father’s company.

  • Jessica Reynolds: From Sheltered Upbringing to Embracing Irish Identity & Roles

    Jessica Reynolds: From Sheltered Upbringing to Embracing Irish Identity & Roles

    Jessica Reynolds, currently starring in Channel 4’s adaptation of Michael Magee’s novel Close to Home, says her connection to her Irish identity has deepened through recent roles, including her breakout performance in the film Kneecap.

    Reynolds, who grew up in Seahill, County Down, between Holywood and Bangor, described a sheltered upbringing shaped by parents who were both teachers at Rockport School, an independent day and boarding school. Her father too worked in boarding duty, providing the family with a staff house on the school grounds. She recalled a childhood experience at age seven where a child questioned her religious affiliation, a concept she didn’t initially understand, as her parents were non-denominational.

    “My mum’s English – she was raised in Exeter in a working-class Catholic family, but English-Catholic. My dad was non-denominational but culturally Protestant,” Reynolds explained. “My parents were very liberal and open and encouraged me to accept everyone as they are with open arms.”

    Reynolds’ early life was heavily focused on sports, with her father being a champion hurdler and her brother representing Ireland and Northern Ireland in the 110-metre hurdles. She herself trained in gymnastics for years. However, at age 12 or 13, she discovered a passion for acting after watching Catherine Hardwicke’s film Thirteen. “As soon as I saw that film, I was like: that’s me set. No plan B. I want to be an actress,” she said.

    After studying at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, Reynolds found herself grappling with her Irish accent in a British context. “This was 2016. I felt: I’m never going to work professionally with this voice,” she stated. “Now, things have done a complete 180. Suddenly, people are going: not only do we want Irish stuff, we want stories from Belfast.”

    Her role in Kneecap, a film about “ceasefire babies” and her generation, proved pivotal in her understanding of Irish identity. “It really opened my eyes to Irish identity, and my Irish identity. I wasn’t raised being taught that at all. I was raised thinking I was British. I was like: I’m fully British, I’m not Irish. And now I don’t think that,” Reynolds said. “Calling myself Irish makes the most sense to me.”

    Reynolds acknowledged the complexities of identity in Northern Ireland, stating, “Everyone has the right to say what rings true to them, but for me, the word Ireland is always there. We’re on that land. Whatever way you witness yourself, British, Irish, we’re on our little island and our isle.” She also noted a sense of alienation she felt while studying in England, recognizing it as a result of her distinct cultural background.

    Reynolds praised Ireland’s solidarity with marginalized communities, citing its support for Palestine as an example. “It makes me sense really safe to be part of a culture and country that does that when so many other countries surrounding it don’t,” she said.

    Her recent role as Emma Harte in A Woman of Substance marked her first time leading a television show. Filmed on location in Yorkshire, Reynolds described the landscape as vast and connected to the land, drawing parallels to Ireland. “There’s so much space up there. You can really feel that. And you can feel, like in Ireland, that people are so connected to the land,” she said.

    Rockport School, founded in 1906, is located near Holywood, County Down, between Belfast and Bangor, according to its website. The school currently has around 300 pupils and offers education from age 2.5 to 18.

  • Israel Bans Palestinians from Eid al-Fitr Prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque

    Israel Bans Palestinians from Eid al-Fitr Prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque

    Palestinian worshippers were prevented from marking the end of Ramadan with prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem on Friday, as Israeli authorities maintained a closure imposed earlier this month citing security concerns amid ongoing conflict with Iran. The ban prompted calls for worshippers to gather near the Old City, and resulted in clashes with Israeli police who used riot control measures.

    The closure, which began earlier in Ramadan, has been described as an “unprecedented violation” by Palestinian officials, and has drawn condemnation from the League of Arab States. Israeli authorities initiated the closure following the launch of military operations against Iran, citing a state of emergency. The move prevents Muslims from accessing the holy site during the final days of the fasting month and for Eid al-Fitr celebrations.

    According to reports, the Old City of Jerusalem, typically bustling with activity in the days leading up to Eid al-Fitr, was unusually quiet. Israeli restrictions limited access to the area, and Palestinian shop owners were largely prevented from opening their businesses, with exceptions made only for pharmacies and essential food stores. Palestinian merchants reported significant economic hardship as a result of the measures.

    Sheikh Ikrima Sabri, the former grand mufti of Jerusalem and a senior imam at Al-Aqsa, condemned the decision as “unjustified,” stating it “signifies police control under the pretext of security” and asserted that it “contravenes freedom of worship.”

    The League of Arab States issued a statement on March 16th, denouncing the 16-day closure of the Al-Aqsa Mosque gates as a “flagrant violation” of the established historical status quo. The League emphasized that Israel, as an occupying power, lacks sovereignty over Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, including Jerusalem and its holy sites. The statement affirmed that the Jerusalem Islamic Waqf, under Jordanian authority, remains the sole legitimate administrator of the site, and that Israel has no right to restrict Muslim worship at the complex.

    Prior closures of the Al-Aqsa Mosque have been rare in recent decades. The site was briefly closed in 2014 and 2017 during periods of heightened tension in Jerusalem. A more prolonged closure occurred during the Covid-19 pandemic for public health reasons. In June of last year, Israel similarly shut the site during a 12-day conflict with Iran, a move viewed by many Palestinians as unprecedented at the time.

    Earlier in February, approximately 100,000 Palestinian worshippers were able to attend Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa, despite severe Israeli restrictions on access. Those restrictions included thorough security screenings and limitations on who could enter the compound, allowing only men over 55, women over 50, and children under 12 accompanied by a relative to pass through checkpoints.

    As of Friday, Israeli authorities have not announced a timeline for lifting the closure, and the League of Arab States has not indicated any further diplomatic action beyond its initial condemnation.

  • Egypt Eid al-Fitr 2026: Shop & Business Hours, Rules & Fines

    Egypt Eid al-Fitr 2026: Shop & Business Hours, Rules & Fines

    Cairo – Egypt’s Ministry of Local Development has directed all shops, malls and commercial establishments to adhere to adjusted operating hours during the Eid al-Fitr holiday period in 2026, a move intended to maintain public order and facilitate pedestrian traffic.

    Official closing times will be set at 2:00 AM daily for commercial businesses, shopping centers, restaurants, cafes, and bazaars. Workshops located within residential areas will be required to close at 10:00 PM to preserve public tranquility, according to a ministry statement released today.

    The regulations include exceptions for essential services. Delivery and takeaway services for restaurants and cafes will continue to operate on a 24-hour basis. Pharmacies, bakeries, supermarkets, grocery stores, and vegetable vendors are also exempt from the closing times to ensure uninterrupted service to the public.

    The Ministry emphasized that field inspection committees across districts and centers will conduct intensive monitoring campaigns to ensure compliance. Violators will face immediate legal action under Ministerial Decree No. 456 of 2020, which stipulates financial penalties and potential administrative closure for repeat offenses.

    The Ministry advised citizens to plan their shopping and leisure activities in accordance with the new timings to ensure a comfortable experience during the Eid holiday.

  • Real Madrid’s Champions League Challenge: Injuries & Bayern Munich Clash

    Real Madrid’s Champions League Challenge: Injuries & Bayern Munich Clash

    Real Madrid faces a significant challenge in their quest for Champions League glory, navigating a crucial stage of the competition while grappling with a substantial number of key player absences. The team progressed past Manchester City without the presence of key defenders Eder Militão and right back Kyle Walker, as well as forward Kylian Mbappé and now prepares to face Bayern Munich with a similarly depleted squad. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois remains sidelined due to a long-term injury.

    The situation presents a complex hurdle for manager Carlo Ancelotti, who must contend with a weakened team against a formidable opponent. The absences of Militão, Walker, and Mbappé during the previous round against Manchester City highlighted the team’s vulnerability, and the continued absence of these players, coupled with Courtois’ injury, further complicates matters as they enter the quarter-finals against Bayern Munich.

    The challenges facing Real Madrid extend beyond individual player absences. The club is also navigating a period of transition within the broader European football landscape, with increased competition from teams like Manchester City and Bayern Munich. Recent reports indicate a trend of cutbacks impacting senior editorial staff and editors at Reach, a UK-based publisher, suggesting a wider industry climate of financial constraint and restructuring. While not directly impacting Real Madrid’s on-field performance, this broader context reflects the evolving dynamics of professional sports and media coverage.

    The Wall Street Journal is currently seeking a senior platform editor, a position that underscores the importance of digital media strategy within major news organizations. This search, reported by Talking Biz News, highlights the ongoing evolution of news delivery and the demand for experienced professionals to navigate the changing media landscape.

    CBS News recently underwent a restructuring under new leadership, with Bari Weiss’s appointment leading to the departure of the network’s standards chief. This internal shift, as reported by the New York Post, reflects a broader trend of leadership changes and strategic realignments within major news organizations. The changes at CBS News are not directly related to Real Madrid’s situation, but they illustrate the dynamic nature of the media industry and the ongoing efforts to adapt to evolving audience expectations.