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Les Kiss is set to take over the Wallabies in July, inheriting a side desperate to climb back to the top of world rugby. He faces a tight schedule – 14 months and 19 Tests – before the 2027 Rugby World Cup that Australia will host. Describing his mandate, Kiss stresses that he is not aiming for a radical overhaul. "It's not a revolution, it's evolution," he told the Guardian. "Core values like discipline, accountability and strategic planning stay firmly in place." What makes Kiss an outlier is his background: a former rugby league international who never played union at senior level. He says this forced him to "earn his stripes" in the union code, learning that culture and standards in the locker room drive performance on the field. His personal story is rooted in a family that escaped the Hungarian Revolution and settled in Bundaberg, and a playing career that saw him sprint down the wing before a knee injury sidelined him for four years. Those experiences, he believes, forged the resilience he now brings to coaching. After a stint in marketing and junior coaching, Kiss transitioned to union coaching, first as a defence coach for the Springboks (2001‑02), then as an assistant with Ireland (2009‑15), director of Ulster Rugby, and finally a three‑year spell with London Irish in the Premiership. Returning to Australia in 2024 to lead the Queensland Reds, he guided the franchise to its most prolific try‑scoring season in three decades, back‑to‑back quarter‑final appearances and record crowd numbers. The Reds sit 4‑2 in the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season and are eyeing a top‑four finish. Kiss’s coaching philosophy centres on connection. "Coaching is about rapport and building something strong together," he says, adding that he is fully invested and treats every team like family. His transition to the Wallabies will be smoothed by a close partnership with current head coach Joe Schmidt. The two have shared roughly 40 Tests, developing a strong rapport that Kiss believes will help him "understand the breakdown" and set the right structures for success. The emerging "Kiss army" already includes former All Blacks staffer Scott McLeod as defence coach, analyst Eoin Toolan, set‑piece specialist Tom Donnelly, scrum guru Mike Cron, and consultant Laurie Fisher. Skills coach Mick Byrne and U20s boss Chris Whitaker also remain on board. While his new responsibilities grow, Kiss assures fans he remains 100% committed to the Reds, vowing not to let the franchise down despite his expanding duties. On the player front, Kiss highlights a blend of seasoned talent and fresh faces that could power Australia’s World Cup campaign. The likes of Mark Nawaqanitawase, Max Jorgensen, former winger Dylan Pietsch, and NRL convert Zac Lomax are poised to add dynamism, while 18‑year‑old prodigy Treyvan Pritachard offers a glimpse of the future. Ultimately, Kiss believes the Wallabies embody a uniquely Australian style – inventive, physical, and expressive – forged in backyard games and a culture of resilience. "The Australian way isn’t formulaic; it’s about solving problems on the field in our own special way," he concludes.

Alan Cumming’s latest theatrical venture – The High Life: The Musical, Still Living It! – bursts onto the stage as a gleeful, pantomime‑style extension of the cult 1994 TV sitcom. Co‑written by series creator Johnny McKnight alongside Alan Cumming and Forbes Masson, the production is deliberately overloaded with jokes, ranging from references to Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor to a tongue‑in‑cheek nod to Sheena Easton. The show’s panto DNA runs deep. Audiences are addressed directly, invited to sing along, and treated to an underwater neon‑tube dance. The set, a whimsical take on a Brigadoon‑style hotel, features tartan wallpaper designed by Colin Richmond, a life‑size dog, and multiple costume changes that heighten the spectacle. Returning to the stage, Cumming reprises the role of flight attendant Sebastian Flight, while Masson appears as his counterpart Steve McCracken. They are joined by a “legacy cast” that includes Siobhan Redmond as the exacting supervisor Shona Spurtle and Patrick Ryecart delivering a delightfully unhinged performance as Captain Hilary Duff. Supporting them are high‑energy performers Rachael Kendall Brown, Louise McCarthy and Kyle Gardiner, who navigate Masson’s clever, rhyming songs that swing from Broadway flair to Eurovision sparkle. Beyond the slapstick plot – a cartoonish battle over the fictional airline Air Scotia and a detour to the “Lower Largo Triangle” – the musical hints at deeper questions about ageing, national identity and the need for cultural renewal, echoing themes raised in earlier Scottish adaptations. Directed by Andrew Panton, the production is a joint effort between Dundee Rep and the National Theatre of Scotland. It runs at Dundee Rep until 4 April before embarking on a UK tour that concludes on 23 May. In the end, the show is less a philosophical treatise and more a big, joyous laugh‑fest that celebrates the spirit of pantomime.

Brady Ebert, the former guitarist of the Grammy-winning US hardcore band Turnstile, has been charged with attempted second-degree murder after allegedly hitting the father of the band's frontman, Brendan Yates, with his car.On March 29, police found William Yates outside his home with trauma to his lower extremities, with a broken bone protruding from his leg. According to reports, Ebert drove up to the house, honked and swore, then drove off, before returning. Yates's family members said that Ebert drove into him as he attempted to run away after Yates threw a rock at his car. Ebert allegedly returned an additional time to tell Yates that he 'deserved it'.Ebert, 33, was arrested and taken into custody on March 31. He is also charged with one count of first-degree assault and is being held without bond. In court, Ebert protested his innocence and insisted that surveillance footage of the incident would 'contradict' his accusers' statements.The band Turnstile stated that William Yates is recovering from surgery to treat 'severe physical trauma' to his legs and expressed their gratitude at his survival. Ebert was a founding member of Turnstile, formed in 2010, and a childhood friend of Brendan Yates. He left the band in 2022.In their statement, the band explained that they had cut ties with Ebert 'in response to a consistent pattern of harmful behaviour' affecting himself, the band, and the community.

Donald Trump has sparked a new low in UK-US relations by mocking Prime Minister Keir Starmer, claiming the UK leader is weak and indecisive. During an Easter lunch speech at the White House, Trump impersonated Starmer, saying the prime minister told him he needed to consult his team before deciding whether to send UK aircraft carriers to the Middle East.Trump stated, 'I asked [the] UK, who should be our best. In fact the king is coming over here in two weeks, he’s a nice guy, King Charles. But should be our best but they weren’t our best. I said: ‘You have two, old broken-down aircraft carriers, do you think you could send them over?’' He then mimicked Starmer, saying, '“Ohhh, I’ll have to ask my team.”' Trump added, '“I said: ‘You’re the prime minister, you don’t have to.’”The US president also mocked Emmanuel Macron, saying the French president was “still recovering from the right to the jaw” and claimed that Macron’s wife, Brigitte, “treats him extremely badly”. These remarks were made at a lunch that was not open to the press but were released by the White House on a social media channel and later deleted.However, Whitehall sources disputed Trump’s claims, stating that he had never asked the UK for the vessels and Britain had not offered them. Despite the controversy, Starmer has remained firm in his stance on the war, saying he would stick to his position “whatever the pressure and the noise”. When asked about Trump’s comments, Starmer emphasized his focus on the British national interest and his determination not to be swayed by external pressure.

Eight Muslim-majority countries, including Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, have issued a joint statement strongly condemning Israel's one-sided bill to impose the death penalty on Palestinians convicted of fatal attacks.The countries expressed deep concern over the conditions of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli detention, warning of mounting risks amid reports of ongoing abuses, including torture, inhumane and degrading treatment, starvation, and the denial of basic rights.Israel's parliament, the Knesset, passed the controversial bill on Monday, a one-sided law that will not impose the same penalty on Jewish Israelis convicted of killings. The law has been criticized by the United Nations and the European Union, but Israel's ally, the United States, came out in support of its sovereign right to determine its own laws.The eight countries also cautioned against measures by Israel that risk further inflaming tensions on the ground, stating that these practices reflect a broader pattern of violations against the Palestinian people.

Israel's death penalty law has significant implications for Palestinians, potentially leading to increased tensions and human rights concerns. The law, which allows for the imposition of the death penalty for certain crimes, has been met with criticism from human rights groups and Palestinian authorities.The consequences of this law are far-reaching, affecting not only Palestinians convicted of crimes but also the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The law may be seen as a provocation by Palestinian leaders, potentially leading to increased violence and instability in the region.Human rights groups have expressed concerns about the fairness of trials and the treatment of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody. The law has also been criticized for its potential to disproportionately affect Palestinians, who make up a significant proportion of Israel's prison population.

Tiger Woods, the renowned golf superstar, has made a significant decision to step down as the US captain for the 2027 Ryder Cup. This move allows him to focus on his health and well-being, following a recent court ruling that granted him permission to travel abroad for comprehensive inpatient treatment.A Florida judge approved Woods's request, citing his need for an “intensive, highly individualized and medically integrated program” away from media scrutiny. Woods's lawyer argued that his client's complex clinical presentation required a level of care that couldn't be safely provided in the United States.The decision comes on the heels of Woods's recent misdemeanor driving under the influence (DUI) charges following a rollover crash in Jupiter, Florida. Woods had pleaded not guilty to the charges, which included property damage and refusal to submit to a urinalysis. The incident revealed that Woods had been swearing profusely, showed signs of lethargy, and had extremely dilated pupils.Woods has been open about his need for treatment, stating that he aims to achieve lasting recovery. In a public statement, he expressed his commitment to prioritizing his health and seeking the necessary support. The PGA of America, PGA Tour, and Augusta National Golf Club have all offered their support for Woods during this challenging time.The PGA of America has announced that they will provide further updates on the Ryder Cup Captaincy when appropriate. For now, Woods's focus remains on his health and well-being, and the golf community rallies around him in support of his journey toward recovery.

Police body‑camera video obtained by the Guardian reveals the moment Tiger Woods was handcuffed following a rollover collision in Martin County, Florida. Deputy Tatiana Levenar told the 50‑year‑old golfer that his faculties appeared impaired and placed him under arrest for driving under the influence. When Woods asked, “I’m being arrested?,” the deputy replied succinctly, “Yes, sir.” The footage also captures officers discovering a pill bottle in his pocket, which Woods identified as “a Norco,” a brand name for the prescription opioid hydrocodone used to manage his chronic back pain. Woods explained that he had been looking at his phone and changing the radio when his Land Rover struck a truck and rolled onto its side. He described the incident to deputies as “looked down at my phone, and all of a sudden – boom.” He later denied consuming alcohol, noting a negative breath test, though he refused a urine analysis. During the encounter, Woods mentioned having just spoken with “the president” on his phone, a reference that remains ambiguous. He has been linked to Vanessa Trump, former daughter‑in‑law of former President Donald Trump, who awarded Woods the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2019. Trump, speaking to the New York Post, emphasized Woods’ ongoing physical struggles, stating, “He doesn’t have an alcohol problem, but he does have pain.” He highlighted the golfer’s extensive injury history, including multiple back surgeries and a ruptured Achilles tendon. According to Deputy Levenar’s arrest report, Woods was hiccuping and required prompting to keep his head still during field‑sobriety tests. She concluded that his observed impairment rendered him unfit to operate a vehicle safely. After a breath test showed no alcohol, Woods was released on bail eight hours later. His next court appearance is set for 5 May, where a readiness‑for‑trial hearing will be held. In a statement released on Tuesday, Woods announced he is stepping away from competitive golf to seek treatment and prioritize his health. He has not played on the PGA Tour since July 2024, though he appeared recently in the TGL indoor league he co‑founded with Rory McIlroy.

Several readers of The Guardian have voiced strong opinions that the classic British pub ought to be treated as an adult‑only environment. They contend that the interior of a pub, where alcohol is served in large quantities, is fundamentally a space for grown‑ups to relax, converse, and enjoy a drink without the added responsibility of supervising children. Diane Silva of Bournemouth, Dorset emphasizes that while a beer garden might accommodate a family‑friendly dining area during daylight hours, the indoor setting should remain reserved for adults. She likens the situation to adults avoiding children’s play areas such as McDonald’s ball pits or playground swings, noting that “it’s not our space.” Other contributors echo this sentiment. Penny McPhillips from Garstang, Lancashire recalls a past legal claim involving a theatre patron who slipped on ice, suggesting that entitlement among customers can lead to a broader abdication of responsibility, especially when tickets, drinks, or even school uniforms have been purchased. Nigel Linford of Eastbourne, East Sussex adds a cultural reference, quoting WC Fields: “Any man who hates dogs and children can’t be all bad,” to underline the notion that discomfort with children in certain public venues does not make one wholly unreasonable. The letters also mention pub landlord Egil Johansen, who, according to the writers, is not alone in feeling pressured by customer expectations that blur the line between family hospitality and adult leisure. Overall, the correspondence calls for a clearer distinction between indoor pub spaces—reserved for adult patrons—and outdoor areas that could safely host families, thereby preserving the traditional role of the pub as a “wind‑down” spot for adults.