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Finn Russell lined up for major off-field move and Welsh star dealt cruel injury blow

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Wales Online

Here are your rugby morning headlines for Thursday, April 16.

Finn Russell in talks over major off-field move after London meetings

Finn Russell could be set for a major move away from the pitch after holding talks with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom talent agency, according to a report by City AM.

The Scotland fly-half is said to have met with Matchroom representatives in London last weekend as discussions continue over the possibility of joining the agency’s rapidly expanding roster, which already includes England star Henry Pollock.

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It would be another eye-catching step for Hearn’s new talent arm, which has wasted little time making inroads into rugby after launching last month.

Pollock became Matchroom’s first rugby signing just two weeks ago, with Hearn hailing the Northampton Saints back-row as a player who could “ignite” the sport.

Now Russell appears to be the next major target.

The Bath playmaker is already one of the most recognisable personalities in European rugby, with his talent and flair making him a natural fit for the sort of crossover commercial opportunities Matchroom specialises in.

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Hearn himself has previously spoken glowingly about the Scot, saying earlier this month: “There’s nothing signed or agreed with Finn Russell, but I’m also aware he’s one of the greatest players in the world, and he’s a fantastic ambassador and a great personality.”

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Wales wing dealt cruel injury blow

Wales have been dealt an early Six Nations blow with wing Lisa Neumann ruled out of the remainder of the tournament through injury.

The WRU has confirmed the experienced Harlequins back suffered a hamstring problem in the opening-round defeat to Scotland and will play no further part in the championship.

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Neumann, 32, had started the 24-19 loss and was one of Wales’ brighter performers before being forced off during the second half at the Principality Stadium.

Her absence is a significant setback for Sean Lynn heading into a daunting second-round clash with France at Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday.

The winger’s replacement in the squad is yet to be confirmed, with the WRU expected to announce that in due course.

It leaves Lynn weighing up a number of options out wide.

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Jasmine Joyce is the most obvious ready-made solution after being left out of the matchday squad for the Scotland game, while Catherine Richards and uncapped Nikita Prothero are also in the wider mix.

Centres Carys Cox and Courtney Keight can both shift to the wing if Wales opt for a reshuffle in the backline.

Speaking after the injury setback, Lynn admitted Neumann will be a “big loss” for his side, particularly given the form she had shown recently.

“I thought she played really well, she’s been playing well with Brython Thunder in the Celtic Challenge,” he said.

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“Her physicality, the defence and the attack side of it, but we’ve got a competitive squad and I really trust the next individual coming in.”

English talent targeted by France over allegiance switch

France are reportedly monitoring England Under-20 World Cup winner Junior Kpoku as the highly-rated forward’s future takes another intriguing twist.

According to the Daily Mail, the towering 20-year-old has emerged on the radar of Les Bleus selectors after a series of eye-catching performances in the Top 14 and Europe.

Kpoku, who stands at a colossal 6ft 8in, was deployed at flanker for Toulon in their Investec Champions Cup victory over Glasgow at the weekend, underlining both his athleticism and growing reputation in French rugby.

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The youngster is currently on loan at Toulon from Racing 92, but the Mail reports the Mediterranean club are keen to secure him on a permanent basis by buying him out of the final year of his Racing deal.

That interest is only heightened by the fact Kpoku will become JIFF-qualified this summer, meaning he will no longer count as an overseas player under French club quota rules after completing three years in the country since leaving Exeter Chiefs.

It is a significant development because that status also edges him closer to potential international eligibility for France further down the line.

The report claims French selectors are keeping a close eye on his progress, with Kpoku set to become eligible for Les Bleus midway through the next World Cup cycle if he remains in the country.

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Dragons told to ‘park Europe’ as Tiatia sends clear message

Filo Tiatia has warned his Dragons side to put their European heroics to one side and immediately refocus on the United Rugby Championship as the Vodacom Bulls head to Rodney Parade on Friday night.

The Men of Gwent return to league action buoyed by a stirring run in the EPCR Challenge Cup, having claimed back-to-back away wins over Stade Francais and Zebre Parma to book a semi-final in early May.

But Tiatia’s message ahead of the visit of the South African heavyweights was crystal clear: Europe can wait.

“We must park Europe now – that is the message,” the Dragons head coach said.

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The Gwent region have generated real momentum in recent weeks, with their famous win in Paris followed by another impressive road success in Italy, but Tiatia is determined there is no emotional drop-off against one of the URC’s most physical sides.

“We celebrated what we did in Europe, but now we are back on the horse in the URC and we have a good Bulls side coming,” he added.

The Bulls arrive in Newport still firmly chasing a play-off place and Tiatia expects a huge challenge from a side who have remained in the UK since their recent defeat to Glasgow.

“They have been over here for a while and have been together for several weeks and are a good group,” he said. “We’re excited to see them on Friday.”

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Despite the upbeat mood around the region, Tiatia admitted there were still lessons to take from the closing stages of the win over Zebre, where Dragons had to dig deep late on.

“We’ve reviewed the game and the last 10 minutes there are definitely areas to tidy up, both sides of the ball,” he said.

The head coach also revealed selection remains fiercely competitive, with Dragons’ recent results creating genuine pressure for places across the squad.

“Every week around selection, players are putting their hands up and playing well, so we’ve had some selection debates,” he said.

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That growing internal battle, combined with the buzz created by their European run, has helped raise standards in Newport — and Tiatia wants whoever gets the shirt on Friday to prove they deserve to keep it.

“The mantra hasn’t changed – the guys that get the opportunity to wear it, they have got to play well in it,” he added.

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WWE WrestleMania 42: UK start time, live stream, confirmed match card and results today

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WWE WrestleMania 42: UK start time, live stream, confirmed match card and results today

WrestleMania weekend is here as the two-night event begins in Las Vegas tonight.

The most anticipated WWE Premium Live Event (PLE) of the year is shaping up to be an unforgettable one.

Debuting on March 31 1985, WrestleMania is WWE’s annual flagship event and since 2020, the event has grown into a two night spectacle.

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One dead and another person fighting for life after car ‘rams onto pavement’ | News World

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One dead and another person fighting for life after car 'rams onto pavement' | News World
Two pedestrians were hit, with one declared dead at the scene and the other suffering life-threatening injuries (Picture: Nine News)

One person has died and another is fighting for their life after a car swerved in Comic Con fans in Melbourne.

Fans standing outside the Supanova Comic Con at Melbourne Showgrounds were hit by a grey Toyota after it mounted the pavement at 5pm.

Two pedestrians were hit, with one declared dead at the scene and the other suffering life-threatening injuries.

A witness, Tom, told The Age: ‘I heard a screech and a guy (allegedly) mounted the kerb at an erratic speed, hit a couple people.’

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The car reportedly did a U-turn and drove back down the street, stalled and a group of witnesses tried to apprehend them.

Tom said: ‘He was erratic. ‘I said, “you’re not going anywhere mate”.’

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Tom’s wife is a paramedic who worked on one of the victims for 20 minutes before ambulances arrived.

Melbourne Police said: ‘Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating a fatal collision in Ascot Vale this afternoon.

‘Police have arrested a man who will be interviewed by police. The circumstances surrounding the collision are yet to be established and the investigation remains ongoing.’

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Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

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When is WrestleMania 2026? Start time for WWE’s showpiece event tonight

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When is WrestleMania 2026? Start time for WWE’s showpiece event tonight

WrestleMania season is in full swing, with WWE’s showpiece event arriving at last.

This weekend, for the 42nd edition of WrestleMania, the professional-wrestling company is making the rare move of returning to the city that hosted last year’s event. That means WrestleMania 42 will take place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, with two nights of action scheduled in Sin City once more.

Many key names will compete, from Roman Reigns and CM Punk to Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton.

Former WWE champion Roman Reigns
Former WWE champion Roman Reigns (WWE)

There will be significant celebrity involvement, too, with wrestler-turned-actor John Cena hosting proceedings and IShowSpeed among several famous faces to feature.

Here’s all you need to know.

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When is WrestleMania 42?

WrestleMania became a two-night event in 2020, and this year it will take place on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 April at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. In the US, each evening of action will begin at 4pm PT / 5pm CT / 6pm ET. In the UK, that works out to 11pm BST.

How can I watch it?

WrestleMania 42 will stream live on Netflix in the UK and most territories worldwide, as part of subscribers’ existing plans (at no additional cost, in other words). In the US, however, the event will air live on ESPN.

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Confirmed matches

Night 1

Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso and LA Knight vs Logan Paul, Austin Theory and IShowSpeed

Drew McIntyre vs Jacob Fatu (Unsanctioned Match)

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Lash Legend and Nia Jax (Women’s World Tag-Team Champions) vs Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss vs Bayley and Lyra Valkyria vs Nikki Bella and Brie Bella

AJ Lee (Women’s Intercontinental Champion) vs Becky Lee

Seth Rollins vs Gunther

Stephanie Vaquer (Women’s World Champion) vs Liv Morgan

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Cody Rhodes (Undisputed WWE Champion) vs Randy Orton

Cody Rhodes (centre) lost last year’s Night 2 main event to John Cena
Cody Rhodes (centre) lost last year’s Night 2 main event to John Cena (Getty Images)

Night 2

Penta (Intercontinental Champion) vs Rey Mysterio vs JD McDonagh vs Rusev vs Je’Von Evans vs Dragon Lee (Ladder Match)

Brock Lesnar vs Oba Femi

Sami Zayn (United States Champion) vs Trick Williams

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Jade Cargill (Women’s WWE Champion) vs Rhea Ripley

Finn Balor vs Dominik Mysterio

CM Punk (World Heavyweight Champion) vs Roman Reigns

Which celebrities will be involved?

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YouTubers Logan Paul and IShowSpeed will compete, even teaming up together, while music star Jelly Roll will also feature in some capacity. The same applies to rapper Lil Yachty, while wrestler-turned-actor John Cena will act as the host of WrestleMania. NFL kicker-turned-sports analyst Pat McAfee is also expected to feature.

Cena will host this year’s ‘Mania, having retired from wrestling in December
Cena will host this year’s ‘Mania, having retired from wrestling in December (Getty Images)

How much do WWE stars earn at WrestleMania?

The specifics of WWE contracts have long been hard to ascertain. However, WWE star-turned-executive Triple H (real name Paul Levesque) told The Athletic in 2022 that $250,000 is the minimum base salary for wrestlers in the company. That figure might have risen since, of course, and it reportedly only applied to members of the Smackdown and Raw rosters – not wrestlers on NXT, which is WWE’s developmental show.

However, wrestlers’ wages are boosted by merchandise sales and, it is believed, by cuts of pay-per-view sales as well. Of course, merchandise sales are likely to be significant on a WrestleMania weekend, as well as pay-per-view sales, so 18 and 19 April could be the most lucrative days of the year for most WWE wrestlers.

In 2023, The Mirror reported some of the highest WWE wages as these: Roman Reigns $5m per year; Randy Orton $5m per year; Seth Rollins $3.5m per year; Cody Rhodes $3m per year; Logan Paul $2m per year. These figures reportedly don’t include bonuses.

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Iran closes Strait of Hormuz again, issuing warning to Trump

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Manchester Evening News

Tehran has reimposed restrictions on ships travelling through the Strait of Hormuz claiming US ‘violation’

Tehran has rapidly reversed its decision to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, reimposing restrictions on the vital waterway after the US indicated that the reopening would not bring an end to its blockade of Iran-linked shipping.

Tehran’s joint military command announced on Saturday that its “control of the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its previous state… under strict management and control of the armed forces”.

It warned that it would continue to obstruct passage through the strait for as long as the US blockade of Iranian ports remained in place.

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The statement came the morning after President Donald Trump declared that the American blockade “will remain in full force” until Tehran reaches a deal with the US, including on its nuclear programme.

The dispute over the crucial chokepoint threatened to worsen the energy crisis already weighing on the global economy, after oil prices began to slip again on Friday amid hopes that the US and Iran were edging closer to an agreement.

About a fifth of the world’s oil passes through the strait and further limits would squeeze already constrained supply, driving prices higher again.

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Control over the strait has proven to be one Iran’s main points of leverage and prompted the US to deploy forces and initiate a blockade on Iranian ports as part of an effort to force Tehran to accept a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire to end almost seven weeks of war between Israel, the US and Iran.

Iran said it fully reopened the Strait of Hormuz to commercial vessels after a 10-day truce was announced between Israel and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon, but after Mr Trump announced the blockade would continue, senior Iranian officials said his announcement violated last week’s ceasefire agreement between Iran and the US and warned the strait would not stay open if the US blockade remained.

Data firm Kpler said movement through the strait remained confined to corridors requiring Iran’s approval.

US forces have sent 21 ships back to Iran since the blockade began on Monday, US Central Command said.

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Despite the escalation in the Strait of Hormuz, Pakistani officials say the US and Iran are still moving closer to a deal ahead of the April 22 ceasefire deadline.

Foreign minister Ishaq Dar said the ceasefire in Lebanon was a positive sign, noting that fighting between Israel and Hezbollah had been a key sticking point before talks in Islamabad ended “very close” to an agreement last weekend.

Pakistan’s army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir visited Tehran, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Antalya, the military and Mr Sharif’s office said. Pakistan is expected to host a second round of talks between Iran and the US early next week.

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The ceasefire in Lebanon could clear one major obstacle to an agreement, but it is unclear to what extent Hezbollah would abide by a deal it did not play a role in negotiating and which will leave Israeli troops occupying a stretch of southern Lebanon.

Mr Trump said in another post that Israel is “prohibited” by the US from further strikes on Lebanon and that “enough is enough” in the Israel-Hezbollah war.

The State Department said the prohibition applies only to offensive attacks and not to actions taken in self-defence.

Shortly before Mr Trump’s post, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel agreed to the ceasefire in Lebanon “at the request of my friend President Trump”, but added that the campaign against Hezbollah is not complete.

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He claimed Israel had destroyed about 90% of Hezbollah’s missile and rocket stockpiles and that Israeli forces “have not finished” with the dismantling of the group.

In Beirut, displaced families began moving towards southern Lebanon and Beirut’s southern suburbs despite warnings by officials not to return to their homes until it became clear whether the ceasefire would hold.

The Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon reported sporadic artillery shelling in some parts of southern Lebanon in the hours after the ceasefire took effect.

An end to Israel’s war with Hezbollah was a key demand of Iranian negotiators, who previously accused Israel of breaking last week’s ceasefire with strikes on Lebanon. Israel had said that deal did not cover Lebanon.

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The fighting has killed at least 3,000 people in Iran, more than 2,290 in Lebanon, 23 in Israel and more than a dozen in Gulf Arab states. Thirteen US service members have also been killed.

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Emergency services descend as boy hit by car on Oldham road

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Manchester Evening News

No arrests have been made

Police and paramedics descended after a young boy was hit by a car on a busy Oldham road. Emergency services attended Lees New Road on Friday evening (April 17).

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Images showed multiple ambulances and Greater Manchester Police vehicles at the scene, before 9pm. GMP confirmed it was called out to the scene after an eight-year-old boy was hit by a vehicle.

His injuries are not thought to be serious, according to GMP. No arrests have been in connection with the incident.

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The incident came hours after emergency services had also attended a crash elsewhere in Oldham. Police and paramedics attended Oak Road, in Limeside, where a grey Renault Clio was severely damaged.

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A 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving. The victim was taken to hospital for treatment and later discharged, GMP said.

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Cook crispy chips with ‘best flavour’ each time with one key ingredient

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Wales Online

A professional chef has explained how he used to make triple-cooked chips on an “industrial scale” — and explained that one ingredient would “give them the best flavour”

Adding a single ingredient to chips while cooking them will “give them the best flavour you could possibly get”, according to a professional chef. Will Murray, who co-runs Fallow, Roe and FOWL restaurants in London alongside fellow chef Jack Croft, recently took viewers through his method for making the “perfect” triple-cooked chips — a dish he maintains has its origins in Britain.

He revealed that he used to prepare them “a lot” during his time at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, the celebrity chef’s namesake restaurant, though a “few things have changed” since those days.

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Will shared his step-by-step guide on how to cook the beloved side dish in a video for the Fallow YouTube channel, explaining how he once produced them on an “industrial scale” — and revealing the one ingredient that would “give them the best flavour”.

He said: “We had to do it on an industrial scale, and a few things have changed since then. We actually found out a better potato to use than the one we used to use.

“Crucially, I’m going to use beef fat or beef dripping to give them the best flavour you could possibly get. If you wanted to do these at home: patience, a bit of fridge space, you could.”

He stressed that you “can’t make good chips” using a potato with an excessively high starch or sugar content, noting that he was using the Agria potato. While peeling them, he highlighted that this step was essential in achieving those desirable “ruffled edges”.

Will said: “You need to allow for at least 15 per cent of the potato to come away, and you’ll pretty much lose 15 per cent of the spud. That’s going to allow for these beautiful little sort of fissures all over your potato.”

As he rinsed the slices, Will observed that the starch had begun to come away. Agria potatoes, however, contain high levels of the enzyme amylase, which he noted “contributes to crispiness”, helping them to remain fluffy on the inside while developing a crisp exterior.

He cautioned that an excess of starch can be a “bad thing”, making it essential to strike the right balance — ensuring sufficient starch for crispiness, while avoiding too much, which can cause the chips to “brown” too quickly.

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Will drained the water, then rinsed the chips until it ran clear. He then added salt to a pot of simmering water before placing the chips in, advising viewers to leave enough room in the pan so they could be moved around.

After around six or seven minutes, the ruffled edges should become visible, at which point the key is to continue stirring them gently “over and over again”.

Once 18 minutes had passed, Will switched off the hob and left the chips to sit and finish cooking through, carefully turning them with a wooden spoon.

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He then carefully lifted the chips out using a ladle and arranged them on a tray, acknowledging that some may begin to break apart, though he noted the smaller fragments would be the “nice, crispiest bits”.

Will popped the chips into the freezer while he readied a pan for frying, choosing vegetable oil for the cook. Regarding temperature, he stated he would fry them at 120 to 140 degrees for approximately eight minutes.

At this stage, Will showed viewers the beef fat to be used for the final fry. He mentioned that most delis and butchers stock beef fat which you can render yourself, or alternatively dripping or lard.

He then retrieved the chips from the freezer for the first fry, observing that he’d “chilled them down” until cold, though he clarified that people at home could simply use their fridge for this step.

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His oil sat at around 140 degrees, emphasising the need for a “gentle heat” and warning against overcrowding the pan. Will advised checking the chips don’t stick to the pan’s bottom, while cautioning that they’re “delicate”.

Fry the chips for eight to 10 minutes before lifting them from the pan (though he acknowledged his took 12 minutes owing to the pan’s size), noting they shouldn’t have “lots of colour” at this stage.

Will returned the chips to the freezer to cool while he prepared for the subsequent fry. He then incorporated beef fat into the oil (using a one-to-four ratio of beef fat to oil) and heated it to 180 degrees.

He placed the cooled chips into the pan, remarking that the final fry would take between four and five minutes. Finally, Will removed the chips and seasoned them with fine salt, explaining it’s best done while they’re hot.

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Are all-inclusive holidays worth it? I went to Crete to find out

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Are all-inclusive holidays worth it? I went to Crete to find out

Just think about it – not having to pay for anything (after the initial payment) and everything you need all in one place, including virtually an endless supply of food and drink. Sounds like a dream.

I had only ever been on one all-inclusive holiday in my 35 years on this earth – a cruise from Australia to Fiji, and back (back in the days when I lived in Australia).

It was a fantastic experience at the time. But that was over 10 years ago, and my taste in holidays has changed since.

Now, my wife and I prefer either a cosy staycation in the UK, where we can go out on walks with our golden retriever, or visiting an overseas destination where there is plenty to see and do.

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So when I was offered the chance to travel to Crete for an all-inclusive stay at Mirabello Bay Luxury Resort, I jumped at the chance to try something a little different.

3 things to consider before booking an all-inclusive holiday

My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Mirabello Bay (I’ll get to that in a minute), but upon our return, we had time to reflect and asked ourselves – are all-inclusive holidays really “worth it”?

We decided there were three main things to consider before booking an all-inclusive holiday:

What exactly is included in an all-inclusive package?

It is worth considering exactly what you get when booking an all-inclusive holiday.

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At Mirabello Bay, food and drink were included in the package, meaning you could enjoy a drink at any of the bars on site, or a meal at any of the fantastic restaurants on site, including:

  • Elia
  • Kafenion (my favourite)
  • Bahia Mar Grill
  • Amalthea

Kafenion restaurant at Mirabello Bay Luxury Resort in Crete.Kafenion restaurant was my favourite. (Image: Patrick Glover)

While Amalthea was an all-you-can-eat buffet with a wide range of options, the others served up delicious Cretan dishes.

Another feature of Mirabello Bay is Spilia, a natural cave for “unique and exclusive” wine tastings.

All residents also have access to the numerous pools scattered across the site, a gym, a tennis court, a hotel-only beach, and an exclusive waterpark.

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But if you are looking to do more than just lounge around with a cocktail by the beach, that is when you start to venture out of the all-inclusive package.

For example, you can take part in various water sports at Mirabello Bay, or head out for a spot of sailing, but all will cost you extra.

There are also spa treatments available on-site (in the Aegeo Spa), which again, guests have to pay for.

All-inclusive holidays are different for everyone

So this leads into my next point – what are you looking to get out of your holiday?

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If you are looking to spend your time away relaxing in the sun, by a pool (or beach), eating and drinking as much as possible, then an all-inclusive holiday is perfect.

A private pool with the main Mirabello Bay Luxury Resort building in the background (at night).Having our own private pool with out room was one of the highlights of our stay. (Image: Patrick Glover)

They are also ideal for families, as there is always plenty for the kids to do, and you can do it all within the safety of the hotel grounds.

At Mirabello Bay there were daily shows, sports activities, a kids club, and a water park, while in the evenings, families could sit under the stars and watch a movie at the hotel’s outdoor cinema.

When it came to food, the buffet at Amalthea had something for everyone, even the fussiest of eaters.

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As I mentioned at the beginning of the article, my wife and I like to be active when on our holidays – heading out for walks, sightseeing, and just getting as much out of our trip as possible.

For people like us, an all-inclusive holiday may not be the way to go.

Don’t get me wrong, there was still plenty to do. On-site, we were able to:

  • Partake in various water sports – prices vary depending on the activity.
  • Play tennis – free.
  • Workout at the gym – free.
  • Relax with a spa treatment – starting from €33.
  • Visit the waterpark – free (for hotel guests).

Newsquest journalist Patrick Glover kayaking in the ocean off the beach at Mirabello Bay Luxury Resort in Crete.I enjoyed spending time in the ocean while in Crete, whether it be swimming or in a kayak (pictured). (Image: Patrick Glover)

Off-site, we took part in various activities, including:

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  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Island of Spinalonga (a must-visit) – entry €20 and boat transfer to the island from €14.
  • Walk into the nearby town of Agios Nikolaos – free.
  • Take part in a Cretan culture experience at Spiridi Olive Oil Farm – tour €8 and cooking class €45 (adult prices per person).

The island of Spinalonga from a boat.Spinalonga (pictured) is a must-visit if you are visiting Crete. (Image: Patrick Glover)

While most of these activities aren’t overly expensive, if you are looking to partake in numerous adventures, it does add up.

Are all-inclusive holidays worth it?

So, are all-inclusive holidays “worth it”? I don’t think it is a simple yes or no answer.

It depends really on what you are looking to get out of your holiday and whether you are going as a couple or a family.

The current lead-in rate for a deluxe room with a bay view and an all-inclusive package at Mirabello Bay in 2026 is £511 per night (prices will vary throughout the year).

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Put simply, you have to think about whether it is worth spending £511 per person, per night to cover:

  • Your three meals a day, plus any extra food you consume in between
  • All you can drink
  • Accommodation, with a private pool (not available with all rooms)
  • Access to exclusive pools, beaches, and a waterpark
  • Gym access
  • And more…

It is also worth considering prices and what is available will vary between resorts, I have just used Mirabello Bay as an example.

So…will you be booking an all-inclusive holiday for your next trip? Let us know in the poll above or in the comments below.

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Major rail disruption expected across North West trains

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Major rail disruption expected across North West trains

The disruptions are caused by engineering works between Preston and Edinburgh/Glasgow Central, affecting travel on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 April.

No trains will be running this weekend between the following locations:

  • Preston
  • Oxenholme, Lake District
  • Penrith, North Lakes
  • Carlisle
  • Lockerbie

Northern Rail posted on X: “Major engineering work between Preston and Edinburgh / Glasgow Central from Saturday 11 to Sunday 19 April.”

Travellers are advised to check their journeys on the National Rail journey planner, as services may be diverted, delayed, replaced by a bus service, or only run part for part of their normal route.

Rail replacement busses will be in operation to aid travellers on their journeys, which will be made visible in online journey planners and the National Rail website.

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The National Rail website also hosts a rail replacement services page offering advice.

The engineering works started on April 11 are expected to be completed by the end of Sunday April 19.

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Woman rips up ‘horrendous’ old carpet and is floored by discovery underneath

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Daily Mirror

Emelia Newman admits she is “obsessed” by the prospect of renovating her property on a budget, and recently showcased work on her hallway after lifting the room’s carpet

A woman who removed the “horrendous” old carpet from her property during a renovation project has expressed her bewilderment at what she discovered under it. Emelia Newman, who runs her own lampshade business, took to TikTok sharing that she was “praying for wooden floorboards” as she rolled back the underlay.

Admitting she is “obsessed” with making her home “look high-end without spending a fortune”, she soon spoke of her relief in a video. “Such a satisfying moment ripping up that horrendous old carpet!” Emelia said, before asking her followers for advice: “But also, help – what do I do now? Sand it? Varnish it? Leave it?”

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Indeed, her short clip concluded with her uncovering just what she’d wished for in her hallway in the form of flooring that oozed potential.

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In a follow-up video, meanwhile, Emelia showcased the completed project. “So what do you think of the finished hallway?” she questioned.

“I’m so chuffed I did it all myself and honestly it really does make me smile every time I open the front door! The power of pattern and colour.”

Opting to keep the wooden floorboards exactly as she’d found them, Emelia complemented them with a new patterned wallpaper whilst adding a series of framed pictures – using pages from magazines – to the walls of the room.

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She also installed a feature shelf above the radiator, placing a lamp and plant on it to add to the relaxed vibe.

“Love the wallpaper and love that you used it over the thermostat to cover it!” one TikTok user penned in response. “Very tricky.”

To which Emelia confessed: “Thank you! Yes it was tricky haha, but I would have annoyed me so much if I hadn’t done something about it.”

Opening up about her project, she explained: “I’m not an interior designer. I’m just obsessed with interior design.

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“I genuinely love spending my free time trawling through thousands of lampshades, curtains, bedside tables… you name it… to find the ones that look expensive, but don’t actually cost that much.”

Emelia added that she hopes to share her finds with “two types of people” – those who want beautiful homes without spending large amounts of money decorating, and those who don’t have the time to carry out their own research on affordable alternatives.

“It’s all about truly loving the things going in your home and trying not to be swayed by what’s trendy,” she elaborated.

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England fans hit with shocking price hike for 15-minute train to watch World Cup games | Football

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England fans hit with shocking price hike for 15-minute train to watch World Cup games | Football
New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium will host games including the final (Picture: AMA/Getty Images)

England fans will have to pay over £100 to get to one of their World Cup group games by train with prices hugely inflated ahead of this summer’s competition.

The MetLife Stadium in New Jersey will host seven games this summer, including England’s group match against Panama and the final on 19 July.

Fans are already paying record-high match tickets to attend games this summer. And anyone attending travelling to the stadium in East Rutherford from New York City’s Penn Station with have to pay €150 (£111) for a round-trip ticket which takes just 15 minutes.

It is a staggering price increase brought in specifically for this summer’s competition, nearly 12 times the usual $12.90 fare for a return trip.

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40,000 football fans are expected to use mass transit for each of the games at the venue. Alternative methods for getting to the MetLife Stadium are also pricey with limited car parking spaces at the site costing £225 (£166).

NJ Transit officially confirmed the pricing on Friday.

England face Panama in their final group match on 27 June at the Stadium with Brazil, France and Germany also in action there.

World Cup Fans To Pay $150 For NJ Transit Gameday Tickets
A return ticket will set up back $150 (Picture: Getty)

New Jersey Governor, Mikie Sherril defended the price hike, insisting locals would ‘not be stuck with the tab’ for the first World Cup across the Atlantic since 1994.

”Fifa should pay for the rides,’ Sherril said. ‘But if they don’t – I’m not going to let New Jersey get taken for one.”

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The journey from New York City to the stadium takes 15 minutes (Picture: Getty_

Sherrill’s comments did not sit well with Fifa who claimed transport issues were discussed well in advance of the World Cup.

‘Ever since the host city agreements were signed in 2018, Fifa has worked in collaboration with the Host Committees and their partners to develop a transportation plan that provides efficient and accessible mass transit options for ticketed fans attending the eight matches at NY NJ Stadium,’ World Cup chief event operations officer Heimo Schirigi said in a statement first reported by Front Office Sports.

‘The goal is to minimize congestion, reduce reliance on private vehicles, and ensure the fan experience is positive and memorable defined by the action on the pitch, not delays on the road.

‘The NJ Transit current pricing model will have a chilling effect. Elevated fares inevitably push fans toward alternative transportation options. This increases concerns of congestion, late arrivals, and creates broader ripple effects that ultimately diminish the economic benefit and lasting legacy the entire region stands to gain from hosting the World Cup.’

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