Northampton Saints’ back-row player Angus Scott-Young has announced his immediate departure from the club to return to his homeland, Australia. The 28-year-old, who joined the Saints ahead of the 2022-23 season, leaves after making 77 appearances and scoring four tries. His final match for the club was a thrilling 37-35 Premiership Rugby victory against Gloucester on October 5. Scott-Young also featured as a substitute in last season’s European Champions Cup final, where Northampton fell to Bordeaux. Born in Brisbane, Scott-Young expressed his gratitude for his time at the club but emphasized the importance of family in his decision. ‘It’s been an amazing experience, but now feels like the right time to return home,’ he stated on the club’s website. He shared that attending his brother’s wedding recently, which marked the first family reunion in seven years, deeply influenced his choice. Northampton’s Director of Rugby, Phil Dowson, praised Scott-Young for his dedication and contributions, describing him as an ‘outstanding servant’ who consistently prioritized the team and set high standards. Currently, Northampton Saints lead the Premiership table, two points ahead of reigning champions Bath after five games.
标签： Oceania
大洋洲
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Streamers will be made to produce Australian content
The Australian government has announced new legislation requiring major streaming platforms to allocate a minimum portion of their revenue or expenditure to locally produced content. Platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and others with over one million subscribers will need to invest at least 10% of their local expenditure or 7.5% of their revenue in Australian drama, documentaries, arts, and educational programs. The legislation, set to be introduced to Parliament this week, aims to safeguard jobs in the acting and creative industries while ensuring Australian stories continue to thrive on global streaming services. Arts Minister Tony Burke emphasized the importance of this move, noting that while free-to-air and pay television already have local content requirements, streaming services have operated without such guarantees. The decision follows delays caused by concerns over potential conflicts with a free trade agreement with the U.S. during the Trump administration. With those concerns now resolved, the legislation has regained momentum. Industry groups like the Australian Writers Guild and Screen Producers Australia have welcomed the initiative, though streaming platforms have yet to comment. This development comes as Australia’s creative sector faces challenges, including a 30% decline in investment in feature films and television dramas during the 2023-24 financial year, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent Australian productions on Netflix, such as ‘Heartbreak High,’ ‘Territory,’ and ‘Apple Cider Vinegar,’ highlight the potential of local storytelling on global platforms.
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Sabalenka to face Kyrgios in ‘Battle of Sexes’
In a highly anticipated exhibition match, world number one Aryna Sabalenka will face off against Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios in a modern take on the iconic ‘Battle of the Sexes.’ The event is scheduled for December 28 at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, which boasts a capacity of 17,000. Sabalenka, the reigning US Open champion and a four-time Grand Slam winner, expressed her readiness for the challenge, stating, ‘I have a lot of respect for Nick and his talent, but make no mistake, I’m ready to bring my A-game.’ Kyrgios, currently ranked 652nd due to a prolonged absence from the tour following a wrist injury, welcomed the opportunity, saying, ‘When the world number one challenges you, you answer the call.’ The match has sparked mixed reactions among tennis fans. While some view it as an entertaining spectacle aimed at attracting a younger audience, others fear it could undermine women’s sports if Sabalenka loses. Kyrgios’s past controversies, including a guilty plea for assaulting an ex-girlfriend in 2023 and his association with controversial influencer Andrew Tate in 2024, have further fueled concerns about the event’s potential to perpetuate sexism. Despite these debates, Sabalenka remains unfazed, describing the match as a ‘cool idea’ and vowing to ‘kick Nick’s ass.’ The format of the match remains under discussion, with potential modifications to court size and serving rules being considered.
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‘Ball of the century? That was my job’ – Ashes ‘rhino’ Harris
The 2013-14 Ashes series remains one of the most iconic chapters in cricket history, with Australia’s emphatic 5-0 victory over England etched in the annals of the sport. At the heart of this triumph was Mitchell Johnson, whose ferocious pace and 37 wickets dismantled England’s batting lineup. Yet, behind Johnson’s brilliance stood Ryan Harris, a relentless fast bowler whose contributions were equally pivotal. Harris, nicknamed ‘Rhino,’ played a crucial role in Australia’s dominance, delivering what ESPN Cricinfo dubbed the ‘ball of the century’ to dismiss England captain Alastair Cook. This unplayable delivery, which swung unpredictably to clip the top of off stump, symbolized Harris’s mastery and the psychological edge Australia held throughout the series. Harris’s journey to the Ashes was marked by resilience. Plagued by injuries, including a troublesome knee, he made his Test debut at 31 and quickly became a linchpin of Australia’s pace attack. His partnership with Johnson, which yielded 59 wickets in the series, was instrumental in Australia’s success. Harris recalls the camaraderie and strategic focus of the bowling unit, describing it as a ‘team within a team.’ The series also marked a turning point for Johnson, who had struggled in the 2010-11 Ashes but returned with renewed vigor to terrorize England. Harris reflects on the mental and physical challenges of Test cricket, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and adaptability. Despite his career being cut short by injuries, Harris cherishes his Ashes legacy, particularly his match-winning performances in Sydney and South Africa. Now the head coach of South Australia, Harris continues to inspire the next generation of cricketers, sharing his experiences and insights from a career defined by perseverance and excellence.
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Half Yours wins Melbourne Cup
In a historic triumph at the 2025 Melbourne Cup, jockey Jamie Melham steered Half Yours to victory, becoming only the second female jockey to win Australia’s most prestigious horse race. The event, held on November 4, saw Goodie Two Shoes, trained by Ireland’s Joseph O’Brien and ridden by Wayne Lordan, secure second place, while Middle Earth claimed third. This victory marks a significant milestone for Melham, who last month rode Half Yours to win the Caulfield Cup, making her the first woman to achieve the Caulfield-Melbourne Cup double. Overwhelmed by her success, Melham expressed her disbelief and passion for the sport in a post-race interview with the Nine Network, stating, ‘What just happened? Oh my god. This is what we do it for, this is why we get out of bed every morning at 4am.’ Her achievement not only cements her place in horse racing history but also inspires a new generation of female jockeys.
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Australian mushroom murderer appeals against convictions
Erin Patterson, the Australian woman convicted of the infamous ‘mushroom murders,’ has officially filed an appeal against her life sentence. The 51-year-old was found guilty in 2023 of murdering three relatives and attempting to kill a fourth by serving a toxic mushroom meal at her home in Victoria, Australia. Her victims included her in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, both 70, and Gail’s sister, Heather Wilkinson, 66. Heather’s husband, Ian Wilkinson, a local pastor, survived but continues to suffer from severe health complications due to the poisoning. Patterson maintained her innocence throughout the 11-week trial, claiming the incident was a tragic accident. However, a unanimous jury verdict found her guilty on all charges, resulting in one of the longest sentences ever handed to a female offender in Australia—life imprisonment with no possibility of parole for at least 33 years. Patterson’s legal team successfully secured an extension to file the appeal, citing potential legal errors in the trial. The grounds for the appeal remain undisclosed. The case, which captivated the public and media, revealed chilling details, including allegations that Patterson had foraged deadly mushrooms and lied about having cancer to lure her victims. Her estranged husband, Simon Patterson, who had been invited to the fatal meal but canceled last minute, also claimed to have been poisoned by her in the past. Patterson is currently held in a maximum-security prison, isolated due to her ‘major offender status.’ The appeal process marks a new chapter in this high-profile case, which continues to draw significant attention.
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Prankster charged over lining up with rugby team
A 37-year-old man from Gravesend, Kent, has been charged by Merseyside Police after an audacious prank during a high-profile rugby league match between Australia and England. The incident occurred on Saturday at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium, which recently opened earlier this year and hosted its first non-football event. Daniel Jarvis was captured on live BBC One television coverage standing at the end of Australia’s line-up during the national anthems, a move that disrupted the pre-game proceedings. Authorities charged Jarvis with disrupting a person engaged in a lawful activity. He has been remanded in custody and is set to appear at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on Monday. The Rugby Football League is expected to conduct an internal review of the incident as part of its standard protocol. Despite the disruption, Australia secured a 14-4 victory in the match, marking a decisive win in the three-Test series, which concludes next Saturday in Leeds. The incident has sparked discussions about security measures at major sporting events, particularly in newly inaugurated venues.
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Pollock scores as England take revenge on Australia
In a gripping encounter at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium, England secured a hard-fought 25-7 victory against Australia in the opening match of the Quilter Nations Series. The game, marked by moments of brilliance and tension, showcased England’s resilience and tactical depth, extending their winning streak to eight consecutive Tests.
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Cruise cancelled following death of woman left behind on island
A 60-day luxury cruise around Australia has been abruptly canceled following the tragic death of an elderly passenger, Suzanne Rees, who was inadvertently left behind on Lizard Island, a remote destination 250 kilometers north of Cairns. The incident occurred during a hiking excursion organized by the Coral Adventurer cruise ship. Rees, an active 80-year-old and member of a bushwalking group, had separated from the group to rest. The ship departed without her, only returning hours later after realizing she was missing. A subsequent search operation discovered her body the following day. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), alongside Queensland Police and the state coroner, has launched an investigation into the incident. Mark Fifield, CEO of Coral Expeditions, announced the cancellation of the voyage, citing the ‘tragic passing of Suzanne Rees and previous mechanical issues.’ Passengers were offered full refunds and arrangements were made for their return via chartered flights. AMSA has prohibited the Coral Adventurer from boarding new passengers pending further investigation. Rees’ daughter, Katherine Rees, expressed shock and sadness over the incident, emphasizing a ‘failure of care and common sense’ by the cruise operator. The family hopes the coronial inquiry will identify lapses that could have prevented the tragedy. The Coral Adventurer, designed for remote coastal exploration, accommodates up to 120 guests and 46 crew. Cruise industry experts note that such incidents are rare, with advanced systems in place to monitor passenger movements. This event has raised questions about safety protocols and accountability in the cruise industry.
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Former Australian politician jailed for more than five years for sex crimes
Gareth Ward, a former Australian politician, has been sentenced to five years and nine months in prison for the sexual abuse of two young men. The 44-year-old, who represented the coastal town of Kiama in the New South Wales (NSW) parliament from 2011, was found guilty in July of raping a 24-year-old political staffer in 2015 and indecently assaulting an 18-year-old man in 2013. Both incidents occurred after he met the victims through his work. Ward had been in custody since his conviction and appeared via video-link at Parramatta District Court for sentencing. Judge Kara Shead SC, who presided over the case, emphasized that imprisonment was the only appropriate penalty, despite Ward’s legal blindness. She described his actions as ‘callous and predatory’ and noted that he had ‘escaped justice for a decade.’ Ward will serve at least three years and nine months before being eligible for parole. The judge also stressed the need to send a ‘stern message’ to deter similar offenses. Ward’s resignation from parliament in July triggered a by-election in Kiama, which was won by a Labor candidate. His legal team has indicated plans to appeal the verdict, as Ward maintains his innocence. The trial revealed harrowing details of the assaults, with both victims describing long-term emotional and psychological impacts. The prosecution highlighted striking similarities in the accounts of the two men, who did not know each other, as evidence of their credibility. Despite Ward’s lack of remorse, the judge acknowledged his potential for rehabilitation.