South Africa’s Eben Etzebeth handed 12-match ban for eye-gouging against Wales

The draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to take place at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., on December 5, 2025, starting at 12 PM local time. This event will determine the group phase matchups for the 48 teams participating in the tournament co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The draw will feature performances by notable artists, including the Village People and Andrea Bocelli.

Darren Jones, a Labour minister, defended the UK Labour government's record in Wales amid accusations from Labour Senedd members that the Prime Minister is undermining devolution. This defense comes as Labour faces scrutiny over its governance and electoral performance in the region.

South Africa has launched the 'Rhino Renaissance Campaign' as part of the G20 Heritage Projects to combat the alarming rate of rhino poaching, which sees hundreds of these animals killed annually for their horns, primarily trafficked to Asia for traditional medicine. The campaign employs advanced surveillance technology, engages local communities, and includes radical conservation measures such as dehorning.

More than 60,000 African penguins have starved to death in South Africa due to a significant decline in sardine populations, according to a recent study. The research indicates that over 95% of the penguins in two key breeding colonies, located on Dassen Island and Robben Island, perished between 2004 and 2012, primarily during their moulting period, exacerbated by the climate crisis and overfishing.

A recent debate in the Senedd has taken place as political parties prepare for the upcoming Welsh Parliament election scheduled for May 2026. This discussion is crucial as it sets the stage for party strategies and voter engagement in the lead-up to the election.

Maro Itoje has expressed his ambition for Rugby World Cup success in 2027 after England was drawn in a favorable group, avoiding top teams like South Africa, New Zealand, and France. The draw, held in Sydney, positions England alongside Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, which could enhance their chances of advancing in the tournament.

A report by the charity Inquest reveals that 97 women have died in prisons in England and Wales over the past decade, with self-harm incidents among female prisoners reaching a record high. The report, which draws on Ministry of Justice data, argues for the closure of all women's prisons to prevent further tragedies.

England and Wales have been drawn into the same group for the pool stages of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, alongside Scotland and Ireland, marking a significant moment for these teams as they prepare for the tournament.