England’s forwards will need to maintain the form they discovered in the Six Nations if they want to compete against the All Blacks this weekend, lock Joe Launchbury said on Wednesday. The tourists will field a weakened side in the opening Test in Auckland…
Browsing: AFP
Nigeria’s new central bank governor began work on Tuesday, starting a fresh chapter in Africa’s biggest economy after his predecessor’s tenure ended in scandal and claims of political connivance. Godwin Emefiele took over from Sanusi Lamido Sanusi,…
Veteran goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer on Wednesday said he expects to sign a new deal with Chelsea after manager Jose Mourinho indicated he wanted him to stay for another season. Schwarzer, 41, joined the Premier League powerhouse on a one-year contract…
Stray bullets regularly whizz through the courtyard of the Fotokol highschool in northern Cameroon, a terrifying reminder of the Boko Haram gunmen carrying out deadly raids just across the border with Nigeria. Their insides cramped with fear, pupils…
Wales fly-half James Hook has signed for Gloucester after Perpignan’s relegation from the French Top 14, the English Premiership club announced on Tuesday. “Gloucester Rugby are delighted to confirm that James Hook has agreed to move to Kingsholm, a…
Australian head Coach Ange Postecoglou brought World Cup heartache to four players, including playmaker Tom Rogic, in unveiling his definitive 23-man squad. As Monday’s deadline expired Postecoglou had broken the news to a squad captained by midfielder…
US authorities have arrested a suspect who sparked a nationwide manhunt after explosives were allegedly found in his San Francisco home. Ryan Kelly Chamberlain II, 42, was taken into custody by the FBI and the San Francisco Police Department, the FBI…
The leader of Pakistan’s MQM party, Altaf Hussain, has been arrested in London on suspicion of money-laundering, reports said Tuesday as panic spread through his home city of Karachi and protesters torched vehicles. British police said only that a 60…
South Africa’s mining ministry and a platinum union Tuesday confirmed a government-brokered wage offer to end a four-month strike as talks with producers continue. “We have taken our proposal to the union and the companies, but I cannot divulge its…
Frenchman Serge Lazarevic, kidnapped in Mali by Al-Qaeda in 2011, appeared in a video aired Tuesday by Dubai-based Alaan television urging French President Francois Holland to act to secure his release. Lazarevic, wearing a black turban, sporting a…
The newly appointed head of Japan’s top business lobby said Tuesday he wants to play a greater role in helping the country improve its badly frayed relations with China. Sadayuki Sakakibara was formally appointed as chairman of Keidanren — the Japan…
“Everyone out! Hold onto your belongings, we’re going to conduct a search,” yells a Cameroonian soldier as he inspects bus passengers already wearied by dusty hours on a bumpy northern road. “We’re everywhere in the area,” said the soldier in Dabanga…
With 10 days until the World Cup begins, Brazil was rushing Monday to finish installing seats in stadiums and to deal with threats ranging from violent protests to dengue fever. The count-down to kick off has been marred by protests — from striking…
Victor Matfield was named as the Springbok’s interim captain on Tuesday, capping a remarkable return to international rugby after retirement. With regular leader Jean de Villiers out injured, Matfield, 37, is making his return to the international side…
Colombia star Radamel Falcao will miss the World Cup after losing his battle to recover from the crushing knee injury he sustained playing for his club Monaco in January. The 28-year-old’s absence from Brazil was confirmed on Tuesday by Colombia coach…
With a famous nature reserve, elephant safaris, and a reputation as a peaceful haven, the small town of Waza in the far north of Cameroon used to buzz with tourists. Today, it is like a ghost town. The walls of the hotels are crumbling and guest bedrooms…
South Korean prosecutors investigating April’s ferry disaster said Tuesday the fugitive head of the family that owns the vessel had indirectly approached a foreign embassy in Seoul over asylum, but was rejected. Briefing domestic reporters, prosecutors…
In an England squad with several exciting young players James Milner likely won’t set pulses racing, but the versatile Manchester City midfielder could play a vital role in Roy Hodgson’s plans in Brazil. The 28-year-old Milner has been part of the England…
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal on Monday revealed for the first time that he turned down the chance of taking charge at Tottenham last season. Van Gaal, who is currently on duty in his role as Netherland coach, will officially join United…
Twenty-five years after he rose to fame touring with pop star Sting, Brazilian indigenous chief Raoni has launched a new tour coinciding with the World Cup to condemn the ongoing destruction of the Amazon. A striking spokesman for the rainforest with…