67 h. ago The Breakdown | Marcus Smith’s duel with Sam Prendergast could define Lions hopes

When the two fly-halves meet at Croke Park, the result could weigh heavily on Andy Farrell’s selectionSometimes players like to pretend they barely contemplate their direct opponent. That way they can neatly sidestep all external comparisons and inner doubts and concentrate on their own jobs. It is a team game, after all, and it never pays to waste time fretting about things over which you have limited control.Every now and again, though, the “game within a game” duel narrative is unavoidable. Even if Leinster’s pack give a well-stuffed armchair ride to their young fly-half Sam Prendergast on Saturday his Harlequins opposite number, Marcus Smith, will still be expected to make some sort of impact. If not, his chances of being among the chosen few to tour with the British & Irish Lions this summer will recede and Prendergast’s will be suitably enhanced. Continue reading...

Politics

4 d. ago Brit who shows tourists around North Korea explains why everyone's wrong about country

Zoe Stephens has made a name for herself since sharing that she's a tour guide in North Korea and the Brit thinks people are 'wrong' about she calls a 'normal' country

Politics

4 d. ago Unai Emery discusses sending Marcus Rashford back to Man Utd

Marcus Rashford scored his first two goals for Aston Villa to guide his loan club past Preston North End and into the semi-finals of the FA Cup on Sunday afternoon

Politics

4 d. ago I'm a British tour guide in North Korea and everyone's wrong about it

Zoe Stephens, 31, from Liverpool, who shows groups of tourists around North Korea says everyone's 'wrong' about the country. She has visited North Korea 30 times since March 2016.

Politics

5 d. ago Muscat city guide: Where to stay, eat, drink and shop in Oman’s enchanting capital

Between the Hajar mountains and gem-clear waters of the Gulf of Oman, this ancient city combines a striking setting with a wonderful balance of traditional and modern – Hazel Plush shares how to get the best out of a trip

Politics

6 d. ago Petra travel guide: Where to stay, eat, drink and shop in Jordan’s rose

With thousands of years of history carved into the rocks, the Rose City’s architectural beauty and links to a forgotten past are as beguiling as ever, says Paul Stafford

Politics

6 d. ago Guide Dogs’ North Lanarkshire fundraising group holding Make Every Cuppa Count coffee morning in Airdrie

Event will take place at Airdrie Bowling Club on April 3 from 10am - and anyone is welcome to attend, with no booking necessary.

Politics

6 d. ago Esther Manito announces tour coming to Edinburgh and Glasgow

This Autumn, award-winning British-Lebanese comedian Esther Manito sets out on her biggest UK tour to date.

Politics

8 d. ago Andy Farrell reveals British and Irish Lions coaching staff for tour of Australia

Scotland forwards coach John Dalziel is a surprise inclusion

Politics

9 d. ago Disgraced Israel Folau in bid to make shock return to face Lions

The British and Irish Lions tour is a goal for Israel Folau, and could face them for the first time in 12 years.

Politics

1 week ago Wigglesworth set to be part of Farrell’s British & Irish Lions coaching team

Coach benefited from England’s strong Six Nations finishWigglesworth poised to join Irish-heavy backroom teamRichard Wigglesworth is set to be a surprise inclusion on Andy Farrell’s coaching staff for the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia, benefiting from England’s strong finish to the Six Nations, the Guardian understands.On Wednesday Farrell will unveil his coaching ticket for the tour this ­summer and, while he is expected to lean heavily on his Ireland assistants, the England senior coach ­Wigglesworth is poised to be seconded. Continue reading...

Politics

1 week ago Lions assistant coaches leaked 48 hours before big announcement

Andy Farrell will officially name his coaching staff for this summer's British & Irish Lions tour this week

Politics

1 week ago Emma Raducanu beats eighth seed Emma Navarro in gruelling clash at Miami Open

The British number two’s mammoth victory saw her win against a top-10 player on a hard court for the first time in her career.

Politics

2 w. ago British couple give up home to tour Canada with cat in ‘Vaniel Craig’

They’ve traded a traditional house for life on the open road

Society

2 w. ago When is the British & Irish Lions squad announced for Australia tour?

Squad will be announced in front of more than 2,000 fans

Politics

2 w. ago British & Irish Lions 2025: Predicting the squad to tour Australia after the Six Nations

The final international action before the squad is named is over - who will Andy Farrell be picking to head Down Under?

Politics

2 w. ago Jack Draper feels Indian Wells title is ‘big moment’ as he eyes more success

The 23-year-old powered past Dane Rune 6-2 6-2 in a BNP Paribas Open final that lasted just an hour and eight minutes.

Events

2 w. ago British tourist missing after boat catches fire off Thai island

Alexandra Clarke, 26, was on a diving excursion near Koh Tao when blaze broke outA British tourist is missing in Thailand after the tour boat she was travelling on caught fire off the island of Koh Tao.Alexandra Clarke, 26, from Lambeth, south London, was onboard the Davy Jones Locker for a diving excursion. Continue reading...

Events

2 w. ago Is Yorkshire Britain's REAL food capital? We took part in a culinary tour through York to put the claim to the test

The 2025 edition of the AA Restaurant Guide listed 73 restaurants in North Yorkshire - more than any other county in the UK. Rory Tingle discovers whether York is really worthy of the plaudits.

Society

2 w. ago Unflappable Maro Itoje proves he now deserves Lions captaincy | Gerard Meagher

England lock is finally turning into captain he was tipped to become, and should get ultimate accolade this summerIt was 12 years ago that England came here chasing the grand slam. It was Stuart Lancaster’s second Six Nations in charge and though an unconvincing home victory over Italy had come the week before, hopes were high England could seal a first clean sweep since 2003. They ended up being beaten so emphatically that some of the Wales players were discussing where in town they would celebrate their 30-3 win – which earned them the title, snatched out of England’s grasp – during the second half.So poor were England that numerous members of the side played their way out of the British & Irish Lions squad to tour Australia. Warren Gatland was on sabbatical from Wales at the time, Rob Howley in temporary charge, but the New Zealander put great stock in how players performed in hostile atmospheres away from home and, based on the evidence of their limp surrender, plenty were s...

Politics