Stuart Lancaster has been appointed as Connacht’s new head coach on a two-year contract.
Pete Wilkins, who left Racing 92 earlier this year after Connacht’s Challenge Cup exit in April, will take Lancaster’s place. He has been out of work since.
Before departing following a disastrous 2015 Rugby World Cup campaign, Lancaster served as England’s head coach for four years before becoming Leinster senior coach in 2016. He helped the team win four straight league titles and the 2018 Investec Champions Cup.
Lancaster describes the most recent chapter in his career as “hugely excited.”
The 55-year-old said, “I’m honored and humbled to be able to lead the professional men’s team program because Connacht is a club with a proud identity, a passionate supporter base, and enormous potential both on and off the field.”
I’m a firm believer in creating a culture that encourages players to succeed and realize their potential while also playing a rugby style that inspires the group they belong to.
Images courtesy of Getty
A genuine statement of intent
Lancaster will be in charge of the defense of the team, according to Connacht. Rod Seib, the coach of the attack, Cullie Tucker, the coach of the contact, line-out, and maul, will lead his backroom team.
Ruane remarked, “We are absolutely thrilled to appoint someone of his calibre. He is one of the most regarded coaches in rugby.”
He has a proven track record of promoting success and supporting teams in achieving their goals, as well as developing young talent and creating a high-performance environment.
His coaching philosophy and his approach to playing the game perfectly align with our values and goals.
Humphreys predicted rugby in Ireland will experience a “huge boost” thanks to Lancaster’s appointment.
It is a significant coup and a true statement of intent for Connacht Rugby, he said, adding that plans are moving off the pitch in front of their new facilities.
“I’m delighted to welcome Stuart back to Ireland and wish him the best of the seasons,” said the IRFU.
During an air raid in Zamfara State on May 31, 2025, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) claimed its airstrikes neutralized over 20 armed terrorists and destroyed more than 21 motorcycles.
Ehimen Ejodame, a spokesperson for the NAF, stated in a statement that the operation, which was carried out in the Maru Local Government Area of the state’s Maru Local Government Area, was to stop armed bandits’ planned large-scale assault on vulnerable communities.
According to the Air Force, the intelligence that was gathered revealed that numerous terrorists were preparing to attack unarmed settlements.
“A number of civilians, including children and women, were abducted by the bandits, according to additional intelligence,” according to further investigation.
According to Ejodame, “NAF aircraft under Operation Fansan YAMMA was immediately dispatched for armed reconnaissance and possible rescue missions.”
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Over 30 motorcycles carrying armed terrorists heading into the nearby forest were positively identified, according to Ejodame when they arrived in the area.
The terrorists opened fire when they saw the aircraft, prompting a precise attack that resulted in the destruction of several motorcycles and the elimination of dozens of terrorists.
“Ground forces were immediately dispatched to take advantage of the circumstance. They confirmed that more than 20 terrorists had been neutralized and that the enemy’s assets had been destroyed.
Two local vigilantes were killed and two others were hurt in the crossfire, sadly, according to the statement.
NAF expressed regret over the brave vigilantes’ deaths and pledged to work with local communities to ensure the safety and security of all citizens.
The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) is accused of defying a subsisting court order and preventing the launch of a new satellite-driven Digital Switch Over (DSO) scheme tagged “The Big Picture” by the Association of Set-Top Box Manufacturers of Nigeria (STBMAN).
The group is urging President Bola Tinubu to immediately intervene.
The NBC’s approach was described by its chairman, Sir Godfrey Ohuabunwa, as “incoherent and unfair,” according to STBMAN, who also alleged a consistent pattern of disregard for existing agreements and stakeholders.
The Commission is beginning a course without the slightest consideration for agreements or for key DSO ecosystem stakeholders, according to the group.
Despite a presidential executive order encouraging local content in procurement, the manufacturers expressed concern about NBC’s plans to import five million hybrid set-top boxes from China.
They contend that this action is incompatible with the “Nigeria First Policy” and undermines local investment. According to STBMAN, “NBC should therefore be a promoter of economic activities rather than a destroyer of ideas and investments,” STBMAN said, noting that its members still keep unsold boxes made to NBC’s original specifications.
PRESS RELEASE BY THE ASSOCIATION OF SET TOP BOX MANUFACTURERS OF NIGERIA, ON THE JOINT PRESS RELEASE BY THE DIRECTORS GENERAL OF THE NATIONAL BROADCASTING COMMISSION (NBC) AND NIGCOMSAT ON THE UNVEILING OF SATELLITE DRIVEN DIGITAL SWITCH OVER (DSO) TAGGED “THE BIG PICTURE”
The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) is once more compelled to release a statement about the incoherent and unfair practices being used in the implementation of the FGN’s policy on the transition from analog to digital broadcasting, as requested by the Association of Set Top Box Manufacturers of Nigeria (STBMAN). Regrettably, it is becoming a common practice for the Commission to take a course without even considering agreements or the needs of key DSO ecosystem players.
The general public is invited to take note that STBMAN is a group of technology-driven companies that is open to the use of new technologies. Similar to how the Association does not suggest that the project’s implementation should be the most important factor. It is not surprising for anyone who has followed the DSO closely since its conception by the DigiTeam to choose the Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) option because of the high cost that the majority of TV viewers will find it difficult to pay for. Second, excluding the millions of dollars spent by local DTT factories, broadcast signal distributors, and other parties that have deployed DTT infrastructure, the Federal Government of Nigeria currently has spent close to N60 billion on the DSO program. This does not bother the over 10 million poor television households who will be impacted by the mindless action of the hybrid box.
It is known that STBMAN has repeatedly urged NBC to work with NIGCOMSAT to reduce the high cost that was being paid to foreign satellite distribution/carriers, but NBC outright refused to do so because we are not opposed to any change in any government policy. It is heartwarming to finally discover that NIGCOMSAT has the best and most recent signal coverage. Curiously, the press release stated that local manufacturers would work together to create hybrid reception devices every year, but there hasn’t been any communication with the 13 licensed STB manufacturers, who have invested significant money to produce DTT boxes that have been specifically ordered and created by the NBC/Digiteam. The public must be aware that the STB manufacturers have worked hard and given up for the DSO’s success, but there always seems to be a deliberate and calculated decision to stifle their efforts and investments. Due to NBC’s failure to fulfill its obligations and contractual agreements, STBMAN members have been left with scores of boxes in their warehouses without the ability to sell for almost 10 years. Any well-intentioned government agency that is concerned about the expansion of its economy should have engaged with the current licensed manufacturers to come up with a workable arrangement taking into account both the cost of the investments and the technological advancements that have changed.
Further, the public is asked to comment on why the Association filed a Writ of Summons in Suit No: FCT/HC/GAR/CV/442/2024 to defend its interests by requesting Court intervention to stop any attempt to license new STB manufacturers. This and NBC’s attempt to undermine the agreement and the exclusivity granted to the pioneer manufacturers is further supported by this. The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, sitting in Abuja, issued interim orders restraining NBC from proceeding with any further action in relation to the reliefs the Claimants wanted on the 11th day of September 2024. NBC chose the path of contempt to short circuit the lines of justice, despite the fact that it has already seized the case/action and had issues with the Claimants. No matter how marginally or lightly placed it is in society until it is set aside, a court order, whether valid or not, must be followed if it is subsisting. The rule of law is all about this.
In total disregard of the Presidential Executive Order “The Nigeria First Policy,” which mandates that Nigeria come first in all procurement decisions, NBC announced in the press release that they intend to import 5, 000, 000 Hybrid/DTH Set Top Boxes from China. Without a compelling reason, no foreign goods or products that are already produced locally will be purchased. In line with President Ahmed Tinubu’s GCFR’s strategy of industrializing Nigeria, protecting the country’s economy from global shocks, and establishing long-term local capacity, the policy is based on that vision. Therefore, NBC should promote economic activity rather than devastate ideas and investments.
We give Mr. President, Alh., a call in light of the information above. The NBC leadership and its advisers are pressing on to stop this rather dangerous trend, which Bola A. Tinubu GCFR is attempting to perpetrate.
Thank you. For: National Association of Licensed Licensed Licensed Stock Manufacturers. (STBMAN)
According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, Israeli forces opened fire on an aid distribution site close to Rafah, killing at least 27 Palestinians and injuring 90 more.
The Flag Roundabout, which is close to a humanitarian organization’s (GHF) Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, was the site of the most recent killings on Tuesday morning.
In a few days, there has been a third incident involving the Rafah hub. More than 100 aid seekers have been killed since the US- and Israel-backed GHF started operating in the region on May 27, according to reports of violence, looting, and chaos rife among Gaza’s authorities.
“A number of suspects” deviated from the regulated routes, which was being made accessible by a crowd, according to the Israeli military, who fired shots as a result.
The military said in a statement on Telegram that it was looking into reports of casualties and that the “suspects” were about 500 meters (approximately 550 yards) away from the site.
The records department head of the Gaza Health Ministry, Zaher al-Waheidi, confirmed the death toll.
Eight others later died from their wounds, according to a spokesperson for the International Committee of the Red Cross, Hisham Mhanna, who reported that 184 injured people had been transported to the organization’s field hospital in Rafah. 19 of them had been found dead on arrival.
Numerous injured people were seen arriving at the hospital, according to a video that Al Jazeera’s Sanad fact-checking agency.
Lured
Israel is described as a “horrible, intentionally repeated crime” by Gaza’s government media office, which claims it has been luring hungry Palestinians to GHF centers since it was controversially inaugurated after an 11-week total blockade to start distributing most aid to the UN and other aid organizations before opening fire.
Since GHF began operations, 102 aid seekers have been killed at sites in the Rafah governorate and the so-called Netzarim Corridor, according to the report, with 490 others have been injured as a result of Tuesday’s death toll, up from 102 before GHF began operations.
On Monday, the UN demanded an impartial investigation into the frequent mass shootings of aid workers in Gaza.
Secretary General Antonio Guterres remarked, “Palestinians risk their lives for food, and that’s unacceptable.” “I demand that these events be investigated immediately and independently, and that those responsible be held accountable.”
Witnesses reported on the killings of Deir el-Balah on Tuesday, according to Al Jazeera’s Hind Khoudary, adding that “we heard there was chaos.” “The Israeli forces just opened fire randomly, shooting Palestinians with live ammunition and quadcopters,” the statement read.
According to health ministry officials and doctors, the majority of the wounded have experienced head and chest injuries, she continued.
She continued, as did the previous two days’ bloodshed, which was occurring in the chaos surrounding the aid distribution centers.
“There is no procedure. She claimed that there isn’t a system. You simply need to run first to get the food.
“We will die, regardless.”
There was gunfire coming from all directions, according to Rasha al-Nahal, who was driving along with several other people killed and injured.
There was no aid when she finally arrived at the distribution center, according to al-Nahal, who added that Israeli troops “fired at us as we were returning.”
The shooting was described as “indiscriminate” by another witness, Neima al-Aaraj from Khan Younis.
She said, “I won’t come back.” We will die, “either way.”
As thousands of people headed towards a US-backed aid distribution site, according to Gaza rescuers, Israeli gunfire on June 1 claimed the lives of at least 10 Palestinians and more than 100 others.
In a statement on Telegram, the Israeli military claimed that troops had fired warning shots as people “deviated” from “designated access routes” and that “a few individual suspects who advanced toward the troops received additional shots after the suspects failed to retreat.”
However, it denied preventing civilians from getting aid or firing at them.
This account is consistent with statements made about alleged murders of three aid-seekers on Sunday and on Monday in a similar incident.
Saudi Pro-League side Al-Hilal turned down a sizable offer, according to Bruno Fernandes.
Fernandes has been giving his highest salary at Manchester United, where he is one of the highest earners, serious thought about the deal over the past few days.
Fernandes has informed Al-Hilal he will not be joining them after talking about the situation with his family.
Later on Tuesday, when he is scheduled to hold a press conference in Germany before Portugal’s Nations League semifinal on Wednesday, it’s likely he will be asked about the situation.
The announcement, which was made after head coach Ruben Amorim made his prediction that Fernandes would stay at Old Trafford on Friday, is understood to have delighted United.
United and Al-Hilal never received a bid they could turn down because there were no direct conversations between them.
However, it was anticipated that Al-Hilal would make an offer of between £80 and £100 million to complete the 30-year-old before the Club World Cup took place this month.
No decision has been made regarding their future plans.
Since leaving Sporting for £47 million in January 2020, Fernandes has made 290 appearances and scored 98 goals for the club.
Gary Neville, the right-back for Manchester United, stated to Sky Sports that he believes the deal would not have been a bad one for the Old Trafford outfit. “He’s so important.
He will be more endearing to Manchester United fans because he wants to stay, and he wants to go through this and emerge the other side. It would have been simple for him to say, “Look, I’m done here,” at the end of the season.
To say, “No, I want to fight through this, I want to see it through the other side, I want to come out and achieve things,” at a time when Manchester United are at their lowest ebb, I think it speaks a lot about him as a person and as a character.
At the conclusion of the Netball Super League season, Geva Mentor, regarded as England’s greatest netball player, will retire.
The 40-year-old Leeds Rhinos defender won gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games with 175 caps representing her country.
In her 24-year career, she won two awards for her contributions to the world’s best netball team, including more than 310 games at the club level.
Mentor, a 16-year-old woman who has represented her country at six World Cups, made her Vitality Roses debut in 2000 against New Zealand.
She became the first person to play netball at six Commonwealth Games and become the first English player to do so.
She has won four championships with her club, the ANZ Championship, and the Super League.
For her outstanding contribution to international netball, Mentor received a CBE in 2018.
Mentor, who also won two World Championship bronze medals with England, said, “The time has come to end my playing career.”
“I’m grateful for the people I’ve met along the way, the opportunities I’ve had the chance to travel, and the memories I’ll cherish forever,” she said.
Thank you for challenging me, allowing me to remain true to myself, and thanking my team-mates, coaches, supporters, sponsors, franchises, leagues, and sports.
She has been one of the game’s biggest superstars and an icon in British sport for more than 20 years, according to franchise director Dan Busfield.
It has changed the game for a young franchise like ours to have someone with the skill and professionalism of Geva playing for our club and working with our staff and young players.
