Tag:

uk-europe

Premiership Rugby: No Relegation, US-Style Franchise System Approved

by Alex Carter - Sports Editor February 28, 2026

written by Alex Carter - Sports Editor

England’s top professional rugby union league, the Gallagher PREM Rugby, has voted to eliminate automatic promotion and relegation between its top tier and the second-division Championship, a move intended to attract investment and stabilize the finances of the sport. The Rugby Football Union (RFU) Council approved the change on Friday, ushering in a criteria-based system for expansion and demotion starting with the 2024-25 season.

The decision marks a significant shift for English rugby, moving towards a franchise model more akin to those found in North American sports. Previously, the team finishing bottom of the PREM Rugby league would be relegated to the Championship, with the Championship’s winner taking their place. Under the new system, clubs will be assessed against a set of criteria to determine eligibility for promotion or, potentially, demotion.

Stakeholders – including the RFU, Premiership Rugby, the Championship, Premiership Women’s Rugby and the Rugby Players Association – jointly announced the changes, stating the new model would “create investable, globally competitive leagues whereas expanding rugby’s fanbase, widening its geographic footprint and delivering tangible benefits to the women’s game and community rugby across England.” The move is a direct response to the financial instability that has plagued the league in recent years. A report by Leonard Curtis Rugby Finance found that no Premiership club generated a profit during the 2023-24 season.

The current PREM Rugby competition consists of 10 teams: Northampton Saints, Bath Rugby, Bristol Bears, Leicester Tigers, Exeter Chiefs, Saracens, Sale Sharks, Gloucester Rugby, Harlequins, and Newcastle Red Bulls. The league intends to expand by up to two teams by the 2029-30 season. The criteria for expansion have not yet been fully detailed, but officials emphasized the goal is to ensure long-term financial sustainability, and competitiveness.

The change has been described as providing “greater certainty for clubs and investors, strengthens long-term planning, maintains competitive integrity and protects player welfare,” according to the joint announcement. The move follows years of debate within the English rugby community about the best way to secure the financial future of the professional game. The previous system, with its inherent risk of relegation, was seen as a deterrent to long-term investment.

Bath Rugby were crowned champions of the 2024-25 season, the last to be decided under the traditional promotion and relegation format. The league is currently one of the three top-level professional rugby competitions in the Northern Hemisphere, alongside France’s Top 14 and the cross-border United Rugby Championship.

The RFU has not yet announced details regarding the specific criteria that will be used to evaluate clubs for potential expansion or demotion. Further details are expected to be released in the coming months.

February 28, 2026 0 comments

Entertainment

King Charles Spotted with Kiwi Licorice: RJ’s Delighted

by Julia Evans – Entertainment Editor February 28, 2026

written by Julia Evans – Entertainment Editor

A bag of RJ’s Black Licorice was spotted in King Charles’ car as he disembarked in a video posted by the New Zealand confectionery company, sparking delight among its founders and staff.

RJ’s Confectionery, based in Levin, New Zealand, shared the video on social media with the caption: “Turns out RJ’s Licorice is fit for a king.” A spokesperson for the company confirmed the sighting to 1News, stating, “We were just as delighted as everyone else to spot a pack of RJ’s Black Licorice in the background of the recent video.”

Founded in 1995 by Roger Halliwell and his son, Regan James (RJ), RJ’s Confectionery began with a simple ambition: to create better licorice than what was currently available in New Zealand. According to the company’s website, by 1998, RJ’s had become the market leader in the country. The company’s innovation extended beyond traditional licorice, leading to the creation of the RJ’s licorice choc log in 2000 – a product described as a world first.

While the company stated they were unable to provide specifics regarding how the licorice ended up in the King’s vehicle, they noted that their UK distributor hosted a Waitangi Day celebration several years ago, which was attended by Queen Camilla. She reportedly departed with a selection of RJ’s products.

“RJ’s is proudly New Zealand-made, so it’s always special to notice our licorice travelling the world, and perhaps even finding its way into royal circles,” the spokesperson added. “We’re thrilled that this has sparked so much excitement back home.”

RJ’s Confectionery currently employs over 120 people in Levin and produces a range of licorice and chocolate products. The company exports over 10,000,000 units annually to countries around the globe, and also distributes Mackintosh’s, Oddfellows, Fabulicious and Heards confectionery brands.

February 28, 2026 0 comments

World

UK Passport Rule Change: Dual Citizens Face Travel Chaos & Expired Passport Loophole

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor February 25, 2026

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Dual British citizens are now required to present a valid UK passport to enter the country, a policy change that took effect on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. The new rule applies to those holding both British and another nationality, including citizens of the Republic of Ireland and has sparked outrage among affected travellers.

Chris Betterton, a UK citizen residing in Wellington, New Zealand, described the change as an “absolute shambles,” citing a lack of clear communication from UK authorities. “They haven’t given any explanation,” Betterton said. “Like everything else, I don’t think they’ve thought through the consequences…the fact they’re making it more expensive for British citizens to come to their own country than everybody else.”

The British High Commission acknowledged the significant impact of the policy shift, stating that carriers “may accept some expired British passports as alternative documentation” at their discretion. However, the commission reiterated that dual nationals are generally expected to travel with a valid British passport or a Certificate of Entitlement. The Certificate of Entitlement currently costs £589 (NZ$1330), a price point Betterton considers excessive, particularly for those who may need to travel frequently.

The sudden implementation of the new rules has led to a surge in passport applications from New Zealanders with dual British citizenship. Some applicants have reported significant delays in processing, with one individual, John Day, stating his application took a month to reach the UK, and his wife’s application remains unprocessed. Both applications included their New Zealand passports, raising concerns about potential loss during transit.

While the British High Commission has issued temporary guidance to airlines regarding the acceptance of expired passports, the House of Commons library has cautioned that airlines are unlikely to deviate from strict documentation requirements due to potential penalties for transporting inadequately documented passengers.

The policy change follows a period of increased scrutiny regarding citizenship and travel rights, particularly in the wake of Brexit. UK media outlets have reported on the growing number of citizens required to obtain UK passports after previously relying on EU freedom of movement. Betterton noted that the new rules create a financial burden for dual citizens, forcing them to acquire UK passports even when their New Zealand passports would have sufficed.

Despite calls from UK Members of Parliament for a delay in enforcement, the policy remains in effect. The Board of Airline Representatives New Zealand declined to comment on the matter. The British High Commission has not responded to requests for further clarification regarding the rationale behind the policy change or potential future adjustments.

February 25, 2026 0 comments

Entertainment

BAFTA Apologizes for Racial Slur During Awards Show Broadcast

by Julia Evans – Entertainment Editor February 24, 2026

written by Julia Evans – Entertainment Editor

The British Academy Film Awards and the BBC have issued apologies after a racial slur was broadcast during Sunday’s ceremony as actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented the award for best visual effects. The slur was uttered by John Davidson, a Tourette syndrome campaigner who was present at the event and is the subject of the BAFTA-nominated film “I Swear,” which details his life with the condition.

The incident occurred as Jordan and Lindo, both Black, were onstage. Host Alan Cumming subsequently addressed the audience, explaining that Davidson was in attendance and that his outbursts were involuntary tics associated with Tourette syndrome. Cumming apologized “if you were offended,” according to reports.

BAFTA acknowledged the “harm this has caused” and apologized for “offensive language that carries incomparable trauma and pain for so many,” praising Jordan and Lindo for their “incredible dignity and professionalism.” The BBC also apologized for failing to edit the slur from its broadcast, which aired with a two-hour delay and from its iPlayer streaming service before the program was removed. A BBC spokesperson stated the language “arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and as explained during the ceremony, it was not intentional.”

Davidson himself released a statement expressing his distress over the incident. “I chose to exit the auditorium early into the ceremony as I was aware of the distress my tics were causing,” he said, adding that his outburst was “not a reflection of my personal beliefs.”

Tourettes Action, a UK-based charity, emphasized the involuntary nature of tics. “We deeply understand that these words can cause hurt, but at the same time, it is vital that the public understands a fundamental truth about Tourette syndrome: tics are involuntary,” said CEO Emma McNally. The organization explained that tics are not indicative of a person’s beliefs or character.

According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, Tourette syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by sudden, repetitive movements or sounds. These tics can worsen with excitement or anxiety, and individuals often experience a build-up of tension before a tic occurs. Approximately 10-15% of people with Tourette syndrome experience coprolalia, a vocal tic involving involuntary swearing or socially unacceptable language.

Several audible shouts occurred during the earlier portion of the ceremony, though their content was initially unclear to reporters present. Following the incident involving Jordan and Lindo, the BBC faced criticism from Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch, who described the failure to edit the slur as “a horrible mistake” and called for an explanation.

“I Swear,” the film inspired by Davidson’s life, won two BAFTAs, including best actor for Robert Aramayo, who portrays Davidson. Representatives for the film, Jordan, and Lindo have not yet issued public statements regarding the incident.

February 24, 2026 0 comments

Sport

Fin Melville Ives Breaks Collarbone in Olympic Halfpipe Final | Milano Cortina 2026

by Alex Carter - Sports Editor February 21, 2026

written by Alex Carter - Sports Editor

Kiwi freeskier Fin Melville Ives suffered a broken collarbone and was briefly knocked unconscious during a fall in the men’s freeski halfpipe final at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, his mother has confirmed. The 19-year-old, considered a gold medal favourite and the reigning world champion, crashed on the third trick of his second run.

Karen Melville Ives told 1News her son was recovering, stating, “He has a broken collarbone and a bit of a broken heart.” Coach Tom Willmott provided an update following medical evaluations, saying Melville Ives was conscious and communicative after the incident. “He’s doing okay. He was knocked out, but he’s conscious right now, he’s talking, and he’s doing okay. He’s getting full checks, scans, X-rays, all the rest of it, just to fully rule anything out,” Willmott said.

The crash occurred during a competition ultimately won by American Alex Ferreira, who scored 93.75. Estonia’s Henry Sildaru took silver with 93.00, and Canada’s Brendan Mackay secured bronze with a score of 91.00. Fellow New Zealand team member Ben Harrington dedicated his second qualifying run to Melville Ives, finishing ninth overall. Harrington, who underwent knee surgery just over a year ago, described making the finals as “an insane feeling.”

Gustav Legnavsky and Luke Harrold also represented New Zealand in the event, finishing 14th and 15th respectively and failing to advance to the final round.

New Zealand has so far achieved three medals at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Zoi Sadowski-Synnott claimed silver in the women’s snowboard slopestyle, becoming the world’s most decorated Olympic snowboarder in the process. Luca Harrington secured a bronze medal in the men’s freestyle skiing slopestyle event, and Sadowski-Synnott also earned a silver in the huge air competition.

February 21, 2026 0 comments

World

Prince Andrew Arrested: Police Search, Succession Debate & Epstein Link

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor February 21, 2026

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Police searched the former home of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor for a second time on Friday, a day after his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest, related to his friendship with the late Jeffrey Epstein, lasted nearly 11 hours and has prompted the British government to reconsider formally removing him from the line of succession to the crown.

Despite already being stripped of his royal titles and military affiliations, Mountbatten-Windsor remains eighth in line to the throne. While previous discussions about removing him from the line of succession were dismissed as an inefficient use of parliamentary time, the government is now revisiting the possibility following the arrest. Chief Secretary to the Treasury James Murray stated the government is “considering any further steps that might be required, and we’re not ruling anything out,” according to reports.

The last instance of a royal being removed from the line of succession occurred in 1936, following the abdication of King Edward VIII, which necessitated legislative changes. Removing Mountbatten-Windsor would as well require the consent of more than a dozen Commonwealth countries where the British monarch serves as head of state, including Canada, Australia, and Jamaica.

Following his release from police custody on Thursday evening, Mountbatten-Windsor returned to the Sandringham estate, King Charles III’s private retreat, located approximately 185 kilometers north of London. He is currently residing at Wood Farm while awaiting the completion of renovations at nearby Marsh Farm. Police completed their search of Wood Farm on Friday.

The search continues at Royal Lodge, his former residence near Windsor Castle, where he lived for decades before being asked to leave earlier this month. Unmarked vans, believed to be police vehicles, were observed entering the grounds throughout Friday morning.

The arrest stems from allegations that Mountbatten-Windsor, while serving as a trade envoy for the UK, shared confidential trade information with Epstein. Emails released by the US Department of Justice last month appear to show Mountbatten-Windsor forwarding official reports regarding visits to Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Singapore to Epstein. One email, dated November 2010, was reportedly forwarded by Mountbatten-Windsor just five minutes after he received it. Another email detailed investment opportunities in the reconstruction of Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

Thames Valley Police has also previously reviewed allegations that Epstein trafficked a woman to the UK for a sexual encounter with Mountbatten-Windsor, but Thursday’s arrest was not directly related to that investigation.

Alongside the Thames Valley Police investigation, other police forces are examining Epstein’s broader connections to the UK, including reviewing airport flight logs. These efforts are being coordinated through a national task force. London’s Metropolitan Police announced Friday it is assessing, with assistance from US authorities, whether London airports, including Heathrow, were used to facilitate human trafficking and sexual exploitation.

The Metropolitan Police is also requesting that current and former officers who provided protection to Mountbatten-Windsor review their recollections for any information relevant to the ongoing investigations. As of Friday, no new criminal allegations regarding sexual offenses within its jurisdiction have been reported.

Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied any wrongdoing in his association with Epstein and has not yet publicly commented on the recent allegations.

Legal experts note that proving misconduct in public office can be challenging. Sean Caulfield, a criminal defense lawyer at Hodge Jones &amp. Allen, explained that it must first be established whether Mountbatten-Windsor held a position within government that qualifies as a “public officer,” a definition that lacks a clear standard. Andrew Gilmore, a partner at Grosvenor Law, added that prosecutors will apply a two-stage test to determine if there is a realistic prospect of conviction and whether prosecution is in the public interest.

Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest marks a historic moment, being the first time a royal has been arrested in nearly four centuries, since King Charles I. The event represents one of the most significant crises facing the British monarchy in modern times, comparable in gravity to the abdication of King Edward VIII in 1936 and the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1997.

The King issued a statement Thursday stating, “the law must take its course,” but declined to comment further while the process is ongoing. The investigations are expected to be lengthy, and the royal family intends to continue its normal duties.

The allegations under investigation on Thursday are separate from those made by Virginia Giuffre, who alleged she was trafficked to the UK for sexual encounters with Mountbatten-Windsor in 2001. Giuffre died by suicide last year. Amanda Roberts, Giuffre’s sister-in-law, expressed a mix of joy and sorrow upon learning of the arrest, stating, “People can’t tell her how much we love her, and that everything that she was doing is not in vain.”

February 21, 2026 0 comments

Newer Posts

Older Posts