A couple was flogged 100 times each for adultery under an Indonesian province’s strict Sharia laws. 

The caning in Banda Aceh on Thursday was so severe that the woman was seen begging for mercy before collapsing from the pain. 

The couple was convicted of adultery and were sentenced to 100 lashes each by the Banda Aceh Sharia Court last month.

Unmarried couples are not allowed to have sex under the harsh laws in the region of Aceh, which is the only place in Muslim-majority Indonesia to administer Sharia law.

Caning is used to punish a wide range of offences, including gambling, drinking alcohol, homosexual acts, and having sexual relations outside marriage.

Images from the public caning today showed the woman grimacing in pain and holding her hand up as she pleaded for mercy while she received lashes on her back. 

However, later pictures showed the woman being helped off the ground after she collapsed to her knees. 

Images of her partner also showed him wincing as he was struck.

Officers assist the convicted woman after she received 100 lashings 

Pictured: A man found guilty of adultery under Sharia law grimaces in pain as he is whipped 100 times 

Advertisement

According to local news outlet AJNN, the man’s caning was halted temporarily after he received 60 lashes over concerns for his health. 

Head of the General Crimes Section of the Banda Aceh District Attorney’s Office, Darma Mustika, said: ‘Perhaps his health was a little compromised, or he simply couldn’t handle the whipping. So we stopped him first to give him a chance to rest.’

The caning then resumed until the man received 100 lashes in total. 

The couple was among a group of 10 people who received lashings on Thursday. 

The remaining eight convicts – men and women – were sentenced to between 16 and 21 lashes after being found guilty of intermingling at a birthday party. 

Under Sharia law, the mixing of men and women who are unrelated is strictly forbidden. 

The public nature of canings in Aceh is intended to shame as well as inflict pain on people found to have violated Sharia law. 

Canings are often staged outside mosques or in community squares, with crowds watching and documenting the event on their mobile phones. 

The woman puts her hands to her face after she received 100 lashes 

Pictured: A man reacts in pain as he is whipped 100 times. The caning was halted temporarily over concerns about his health

Pictured: A separate man who was accused of intermingling with women at a birthday party was also lashed on Thursday 

The public nature of canings in Aceh is intended to shame as well as inflict pain on people found to have violated Sharia law

Advertisement

A man grimaces in pain while serving a public caning sentence in Taman Sari, Banda Aceh, Aceh

Canings are often staged outside mosques or in community squares

Local officials have defended the practice as a deterrent and as part of the province’s identity

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have repeatedly condemned the practice

Advertisement

A man found in violation of Sharia law received water from an official during his public caning in Banda Aceh, Aceh Province, Indonesia, on Thursday

Human rights groups say the humiliation adds to the cruelty and causes lasting psychological damage.

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have repeatedly condemned the practice, saying it violates Indonesia’s constitution and its obligations under international law.

Amnesty said in a statement: ‘Caning contravenes Indonesia’s constitution and is in clear violation of international human rights law and standards.

‘It constitutes a cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment and can amount to torture in violation of the UN Convention against Torture and other international covenants, to which Indonesia is a State Party.’

Local officials have defended the practice as a deterrent and as part of the province’s identity, while critics warn it has negatively impacted Indonesia’s human rights reputation and inflicted lasting trauma on those who endure it. 

Just weeks ago, a woman became the first person to be publicly caned in Aceh for ‘committing obscenity live with a man on social media.’

The punishment was handed down after she and her partner were accused of kissing during a TikTok livestream.

Images showed the woman kneeling and screaming in agony as a masked Sharia police officer repeatedly brought the cane down across her back.

The woman eventually lost consciousness and had to receive medical attention. 

Her partner was also caned over the TikTok livestream.

The number of casualties dipped after new law introduced but latest data show they rose again last year

The number of deaths and serious injuries on Welsh roads rose last year after initially falling when the 20mph speed limit was introduced, new data has shown.

The latest figures from the Department for Transport show that 91 people died on roads in Wales in 2025. This is up from 84 deaths reported in 2024, the first full year in which the default 20mph speed limit on roads was introduced.

The law, which came into force on September 17, 2023, proved to be hugely controversial. A petition against the speed limit broke Senedd records with just shy of 500,000 signatures, and the policy is still regularly brought up as an attack line by Reform and Conservative politicians, against Labour, who introduced the policy, and Plaid Cymru, who supported it.

Supporters have previously said data has shown that the aim of making Wales’ roads safer is being achieved with the speed limit.

Advertisement

The Welsh Government said road safety remains a priority, and added that the number of deaths on roads with a 20mph limit stayed the same in the latest data set. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here.

The Department for Transport data on collisions on all roads in Wales show that in 2023 – the year the 20mph default limit was introduced – there were 101 deaths, which was up frojm 95 in 2022 and 86 in 2021.

In 2024, the first full year of data when the default speed limit was active, the number of deaths on Welsh roads dipped to 84. Last year, the figure rose back up to 91.

The Welsh Government said data shows there were 19 fatalities on 20mph roads in Wales in 2025, the same number as in 2024.

The Department for Transport data also reveals that the number of serious injuries on Welsh roads also crept up in 2025 after falling in 2024.

There were 1,361 people killed or seriously injured last year, which is the highest number of casualties since 2019, when 1,485 people were killed or seriously injured.

In 2025, the Welsh Government said were 1,469 collisions on roads with 20mph and 30mph speed limits (combined), 2% higher than in 2024 (1,445 collisions) but is the second lowest annual number recorded in Wales, the lowest being in 2024.

Collisions were 22% lower than in 2022 (1,886 collisions), the most recent full calendar year before the change in default speed limit was implemented.

Other data has suggested that levels of compliance with the speed limit steadily decreased after its initial implementation, with average speeds creeping back up.

Drivers in Wales are still driving more slowly overall than they were before 20mph was introduced. A report published by Transport for Wales in July 2025 looked at the impact of the 20mph default speed limit and how it has performed according to indicators. It says while there has been “some fluctuation” in speeds, “overall there has been a significant and sustained increase in vehicles being driven at or below 24mph”.

The Welsh Government made some changes to the 20mph law. Former Labour transport minister Ken Skates said he would allow Wales’ 22 councils to consult with local residents to hear which roads they think needed to change back from 20mph.

He said he would make an extra £5m available to fund the changes. Since then, a significant number of roads have reverted back to the 30mph limit, and there are regularly announcements about alterations that will be made on other roads.

Adrian Berendt, from campaigners 20’s Plenty for Us, previously said the 20mph limit has made “Welsh communities safer” and there are also signs within the insurance industry that it is allowing them to reduce the cost of car insurance premiums.

Insurer esure published a press release in June 2024 saying it had seen a 20% drop in claims for car accidents since the default limit was introduced. The company also said drivers in areas with the 20mph limit are likely to see an average of £50 off their premiums compared to people who don’t.

Head of motor underwriting Rob Clark said then: “People are not crashing as much and when they do they are not causing as much damage. We are able to reflect it in the premiums.”

The Welsh Government said: “Every death on our roads is a tragedy, and road safety remains a priority for this government.

“There were 19 fatalities on 20mph roads in Wales in 2025, and the same number in 2024. So numbers of fatalities on 20mph roads in Wales has stayed the same not increased.

“In 2025, 91 people were killed in collisions on all types of roads in Wales, compared with 84 in 2024 and 96 in 2022, the year before the 20mph default speed limit was introduced.”

Australia batter Steve Smith says he is still traumatised by the aftermath of the ‘sandpapergate’ ball-tampering scandal in 2018 and still gets flashbacks.

The Aussies are set to play their first Test series in South Africa since Smith and two team-mates were sent home before the fourth and final Test of that tour.

Cameron Bancroft was caught tampering with the ball by rubbing it with sandpaper during South Africa’s second innings of the third Test between the two sides.

Following the end of that day’s play, Bancroft admitted he attempted to alter the condition of the ball, with Australia captain Smith later admitting to having knowledge of it.

Smith was stripped of the captaincy and banned for a year by Cricket Australia, and broke down in tears as he apologised during a news conference at Sydney airport.

“I’m not a big fan of cameras, I get anxious around cameras,” he said in an interview with News Corp,, external published on Thursday.

“That was a traumatic experience in my life and when I hear the flash of a camera it makes me revisit that, in a way.”

Vice-captain David Warner was also banned for a year while Bancroft was banned for nine months.

Australia’s then prime minister Malcolm Turnbull said the affair “bitterly disappointed the whole nation” and there was intense media attention on Smith as he left South Africa and on his return to Australia.

Smith added: “The 24-48 hours after being told by James Sutherland (then Cricket Australia chief executive) that I was getting banned for a year, going through the airport in Johannesburg getting absolutely mobbed, and then flying back and doing that press conference… I still have little flashbacks here and there of it.

“I felt like I was kind of thrown to the wolves through [Johannesburg] airport. I didn’t have any support there at all.”

Cardiff City have been handed a major injury boost ahead of Saturday’s Charlton clash, with Dylan Lawlor fit to return

Cardiff City have been handed a major injury boost ahead of Saturday’s clash with Charlton Athletic with Dylan Lawlor declared fit and available for selection.

The young defender has made a quicker-than-expected recovery from the injury which has kept him out at the start of the season, and Brian Barry-Murphy confirmed on Thursday that he is now “good to go”.

Lawlor, who was one of Cardiff’s standout stars during their promotion-winning campaign, trained fully this week alongside fellow defender Will Fish, although Fish remains another week away from a return.

“Dylan Lawlor will definitely be available. He’s good to go,” Barry-Murphy said.

“Will Fish won’t be available, he’s probably another week behind Dylan, so we’re not going to take any chances with Will. But Dylan, back fully fit and good to go.”

The Cardiff boss said Lawlor has trained well and there is no issue with his knee, meaning he could potentially come straight back into the starting XI against Nathan Jones’ side.

Asked whether he would have any concerns about putting Lawlor straight back into the team, Barry-Murphy said: “No, I think he’s trained really well.

“We’ll see how he is today and tomorrow then make a decision based on who we feel is best to start this game.

“But he’s fully fit, no issues with his knee whatsoever, and he looks great.”

The return of Lawlor comes as Cardiff continue to contend with a number of injury problems, although there was less positive news surrounding Rubin Colwill.

The midfielder will miss Saturday’s game with an ankle problem, with Barry-Murphy confirming that both Colwill and Isaak Davies are expected to return to training during the international break.

“Them two are quite similar, I think. We expect them to train in the middle of the international break, Rubin and Isaak,” he said.

Davies has been sidelined with a hamstring problem, while Colwill has missed Cardiff’s recent fixtures with his ankle issue.

There was also an update on Calum Chambers, who remains out with his own injury issue.

The experienced defender is due to undergo a further scan on Thursday afternoon, with Cardiff hoping that will provide a clearer indication of his recovery timeline.

“Calum Chambers is having a further scan on his injury this afternoon, so we’ll know more on the timescale with him this afternoon,” Barry-Murphy said.

Cardiff therefore head into the Charlton game with Lawlor back available, although Fish, Colwill, Davies and Chambers remain among those working their way back to fitness.

The EU has announced plans to restrict social media access for under-15s across its member states, in a bid to increase wellbeing and tackle online safety.

Under the plans, there would be a gradual approach to children using social media which would include banning under 13s from accessing platforms.

Those aged 13 to 15 would only be able to access platforms for an hour per day via “mini accounts” set up through their parent or guardian’s social media account.

The European Commission said social media companies would need to prove their platforms were safe by design, while EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said the move would “put parents back in the driving seat”.

She added the legislation – called the EU Kids Act – would give parents “the tools to help their children navigate a safer world”.

“Too many children are being exposed too early to an online world they are not ready to navigate – an environment where bullying can follow you home, where every mistake can be recorded forever,” von der Leyen said.

Under the act, only children aged 15 and over would be able to set up their own social media accounts.

But von der Leyen told the EU Parliament on Thursday that “an age limit does not mean letting tech companies off the hook for the content on the platform”.

She added that under the legislation – if it is approved – companies would be required to submit detailed child safety plans.

“For every person under 18, the platforms must follow the principal of safety by design, no toxic or addictive features, no traps, etc,” she said.

The proposal sets out that age would be verified using the EU’s preexisting age verification app.

Von der Leyen had previously proposed a social media “delay” for children in Europe, saying in May that “the discussion about a minimum age for social media can no longer be ignored”.

The policy, formally outlined on Thursday, was also trailed in the EU chief’s annual address on Wednesday.

Some individual EU countries have already announced their own separate plans to restrict social media for children, including France and Spain.

Any potential EU-wide legislation would supersede those, but it would be possible for individual EU members to then go further than the bloc’s action.

It is not clear which platforms the proposed bloc-wide measures would apply to, but von der Leyen said the Commission had “looked at Australia” when putting together the proposal.

Platforms like Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok were banned for under-16s in Australia in December last year.

The ban has been difficult for the country to enforce, with its Communications Minister Anika Wells admitting earlier this month that so far no tech firm had been fined despite research showing many under-16s were still on platforms.

A similar ban for under-16s is set to come into force in the UK in spring next year.

Whether they’re inside or outside, rats are known for their ability to cause disruption and costly damage.

The home insurance experts at Tiger have urged property owners to remain vigilant against the pests and follow important steps now to prevent an infestation before the autumn weather drives rodents indoors.

It is then that rats will be looking for warm and dry spots to settle in during the cooler months, and with the summer bringing record-breaking temperatures, there were ideal opportunities for breeding.

Rats can reduce the value of a property by up to 20%, with figures potentially reaching up to £53,663 based on average property prices, an expert told The Intermediary.

Since you must legally declare the presence of rats when selling a property, it is best to prevent a problem from occurring where possible rather than acting too late and being met with a huge infestation issue.

How many rats are there in the UK?

It is estimated that there are between 10.5 and 120 million rats in the UK, says the British Pest Control Association (BPCA).

So, it’s important that homeowners know what to watch out for, especially since an increase in rat numbers, also described as a “plague” by the experts at Tiger, is expected.

Does home insurance cover rat infestations in the UK?

If you have a rat infestation, Kara Gammell, home insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, said you might not be covered by your insurance policy.

She said: “Rats may be small, but the damage that they can cause can be huge.

“These pests can chew through almost anything – from floorboards and plasterboard to pipes and electrical wiring – leaving you facing structural issues, burst pipes, or even a fire risk.

“And here’s the sting in the tail: standard home insurance typically won’t cover pest infestations because insurers view it as a maintenance issue rather than a sudden, unforeseen event like a fire or storm.

🐀 Britain’s rats are getting bigger — and so are the rubbish piles feeding them.

Pest controllers say overflowing bins, reduced collections and fly-tipped food waste are helping rats thrive, with some reportedly reaching 16 inches.

When rubbish is left sitting around, it’s not…

— Waste Crime UK (@WasteCrimeUK) September 12, 2026

“That means the cost of removing rats – or repairing the damage they leave behind – will likely come straight out of your own pocket.

“Some insurers do offer home emergency cover as an optional extra, and this can sometimes include pest removal.

“But don’t assume you’re fully protected.

“This type of cover generally won’t pay out for any damage rats cause to your property.

“Outbuildings such as sheds and garages are also often excluded too.

“Taking preventative steps to keep rodents out is far cheaper – and far less stressful – than dealing with an infestation once they’ve moved in.”

Have you ever had a rat problem in your home or garden? Let us know in the comments below.

Michelle Keegn was seen back in her old stomping ground as she headed back to Manchester for her latest fashion campaign

Michelle Keegan has been seen strutting her stuff around her old stomping ground as she headed back to Manchester for her latest fashion campaign, which comes as she’s been seen back up North filming her Netflix return.

Some may be aware that, aside from her acting career, which launched when she joined Coronation Street as Tina McIntyre back in 2008, Stockport-born Michelle is known for releasing several clothing collections with online retailer Very.

This week, the actress has launched the first part of her Autumn/Winter collection, City Edge, which was shot on the streets of Manchester and saw her showcase her iconic wardrobe staples for the season.

Click here to get the biggest stories straight to your inbox in our Daily Newsletter

According to Very, the first instalment delivers accessible style with refined fabrications, flattering cuts, and outfit-building essentials, with prices starting at £18 for Capri Trousers and rising to £75 for the Knitted Stripe Hanky Hem Dress, which is modelled by Michelle herself.

Michelle said of the new 30-piece collection: “I want the collection to feel effortless with pieces you can throw on in the morning and still love by evening. We focused on fit, fabric, and those little details that show the outfit has really been thought through. The blazer and trouser suit in chocolate brown is a favourite of mine, and I love how the stripe knit dress can be styled for every occasion.”

She added of returning to her Manchester roots, with her now residing in Essex with her husband Mark Wright and their daughter, Palma, the 39-year-old added: “Shooting the collection in Manchester was so special – the streets, the energy, the people. It made the whole campaign feel even more personal.”

Meanwhile, Michelle was recently seen back up North as she’s set to feature in her second Harlan Coben series for Netflix. It was announced earlier this year that she’ll lead the cast of the best-selling author’s next offering for the streaming giant, which comes after she won plenty of praise from fans and critics alike for her role in Fool Me Once, a gripping adaptation of one of the best-selling author’s books, back in 2024.

More than a year on, and at the end of last month, Michelle was named as one of the first cast members, alongside Tom Bateman. Sharing the news on social media, Netflix announced: “Michelle Keegan and Tom Bateman for his latest Netflix adaptation, THE WOODS.”

According to the synopsis for the new eight-episode limited series adaptation of Harlan’s 2007 novel, which has been filmed locally, read: “20 years ago, Paul Copeland’s sister Camille vanished from a summer camp in the woods, a loss that tore his family apart. When a murder victim is revealed to have disappeared along with Paul’s sister, Paul’s hope rises… could his sister still be alive?”

Simply Red have announced details of their Summer Funk ’27 UK and European tour, which will include a date at Scarborough Open Air Theatre (OAT).

Simply Red’s headline Summer Funk ’27 tour comes to Scarborough Open Air Theatre in North Yorkshire in 2027, with Soul II Soul. (Image: Cuffe & Taylor)

Simply Red is set to perform at Scarborough OAT on Tuesday, August 17, 2027. They will be joined by UK soul and funk legends Soul II Soul.

Tickets for the concert will go on general sale at 10am on Thursday, September 24.

Simply Red’s 2027 tour at Scarborough Open Air Theatre. (Image: Cuffe & Taylor)

Simply Red’s 2027 appearance at Scarborough OAT marks a return to a venue they have performed at twice before, in 2016 and 2022.

Fans can expect a show full of the band’s big hits, including Fairground, Something Got Me Started, and Money’s Too Tight (To Mention).

Recommended reads:

First acts revealed for Scarborough’s 2027 season – how and when to get tickets

6,000 fans watch York band mark 30 years with huge anniversary show

32 brilliant photos from Holly Johnson’s hit-filled Scarborough show

The band features Mick Hucknall, who is renowned for his distinctive blue-eyed soul vocals.

The other members include Ian Kirkham on sax and brass, Kenji Suzuki on guitar, Kevin Robinson on trumpet, horns and percussion, Roman Roth on drums, Gary Sanctuary on keys, and Orefo Orakwue on bass.

Mick Hucknall said: “We can’t wait to get back out on the road again in summer 2027 to perform at some incredible and historic venues across the UK and Europe.

“You can expect a set full of Simply Red upbeat hits to get you on your feet having fun in the sun with friends and family.”

Simply Red’s Summer Funk ’27 tour will be their first since their 2025 40th-anniversary celebration tour, which sold out almost 50 venues across the UK, Europe, and Latin America.

The tour was captured in the live album, film, and box set, Holding Back the Years: 40 Years of Simply Red, Live in Santiago.

Simply Red have enjoyed an illustrious career, maintaining their status as one of the UK’s biggest bands.

Their track record includes five number-one albums, a number-one single, nine other Top 10 hits, three BRIT Awards, two Ivor Novellos, and the MOBO Award for Outstanding Achievement.

In North America, they achieved two number-one hits on Billboard’s Hot 100 and received multiple Platinum certifications and three Grammy nominations.

Their 1991 classic Stars was the best-selling album for two consecutive years in Britain and Europe, and every Simply Red studio album has reached the UK Top Ten.

Julian Murray, from promoters Cuffe and Taylor, the venue programmers at Scarborough OAT, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be welcoming Mick Hucknall and Simply Red back to Scarborough OAT for their third headline show here.

“They are one of Britain’s most enduring bands and their previous headline shows in 2016 and 2022 were sensational.

“Joined by Soul II Soul, this is going to be another incredible night here on the Yorkshire coast.”

Simply Red will join Jack Savoretti and James Morrison as part of the first wave of 2027 headliners announced for Scarborough OAT which is the UK’s largest purpose-built open-air concert arena.

The 2026 Scarborough OAT season featured performances from global stars like Alanis Morissette, Michael Bublé, Hollywood Vampires, and Teddy Swims, attracting music lovers from 64 countries.

For more information about the event, visit scarboroughopenairtheatre.com.

Residents across Cambridgeshire are calling for immediate road maintenance after describing local routes as ‘dangerous’ and ‘atrocious’

Advertisement

Readers of CambridgeshireLive have voiced their concerns about the condition of the county’s roads, with many reporting crumbling surfaces, faded markings, and routes they consider hazardous.

Motorists have described the state of one Cambridgeshire road as “atrocious”, with serious questions raised over road safety. Several roads across Cambridgeshire are laid on peat soil, making them particularly vulnerable to subsidence and rapid deterioration.

In Ramsey, Wells Bridge, a road built on peat soil, has been branded by local residents as “diabolical” and “dangerous”.

A Cambridgeshire County Council spokesperson said: “We are aware of residents’ concerns regarding the deteriorating condition of Wells Bridge Road.

“We are regularly monitoring the road for safety defects and will make repairs to keep all road users safe. As a precaution, a reduced speed limit and warning signs are currently in place. Our highways design team are also assessing the most appropriate way to stabilise and repair the road to ensure a longer-term solution.

“As part of this year’s budget, £2.5m will be spent on repairing peat soil affected roads across the county. This includes £700,000 towards reconstruction of Wells Bridge Road. These major repairs are anticipated to be delivered in the summer of 2027.”

One commenter, Riccy, writes: “Councils waste money on the Cambridge Market Square, you can see there it would all be better spent on the road. Why don’t the councils get their priorities right?”

Whynot2 feels: “Filling holes in isn’t chic, wasting money is.”

Calumen Nomen adds: “This ‘built on peat’ excuse is wearing a bit thin. How come they were OK for the past fifty years? We haven’t suddenly invented heavy lorries full of sugar-beet etc.”

Poppythecat believes: “It’s because people are driving around in gigantic SUV’s. They need to pay more tax. Glad you’ve finally identified the reason!”

Rootintootinredux joins in with: “EVs weigh more than SUVs. Focus on the proper problem.”

Topcat13 says: “Global warming has been affecting things at an ever increasing rate recently. Drying out the soil.”

Djexpat says: “This is just like Madingly, Earith and maybe dozens of roads in my area. Also, they seem to have stopped painting road markings years ago as well, and they’re all worn away. Chaos.”

Over on our Facebook page, Kevin S comments: ” You should try the one between Haddenham and Earith Bridge – practically impassable.”

Roger H says: “Try riding these roads on a motorbike!!”

Steve B writes: “Unfortunately, the Highways don’t have a money tree. I’m not supporting the lack of maintenance, but Fen Roads are built on peat, which has a tendency to shrink when it dries out and squash and subside. To make the roads perfect, they would need to strip the peat back, put sand and crushed hard-core down and start again. The Fen Roads were never meant to be arterial routes, but farmers’ tracks between villages and hamlets. With the invention of the motor car and heavy lorries, the paved tarmac just breaks up. The main roads have had money spent on them and are designed and built for longevity, and they follow the raised topography of clay soil. Unfortunately, Fen Roads are on or below the water table, and you can see how much the fields have sunk over the years.

“Highways spend millions on resurfacing, but it will never be permanent, a few years if you’re lucky, before it breaks and cracks again. It’s a choice of driving for the conditions of the road surface or speeding and hitting a pot hole or a divot. I have driven along Queen Adelaide Way from the Mildenhall Roundabout to A142 at Ely to work for years and have seen it resurfaced many times, but alas, it’s again falling away. Temporary traffic lights to divert you to the other side of the road( this was all resurfaced when the Boat Race was held during Covid), so they haven’t lasted long. Another route I take is across the Fen from Littleport to Mildenhall across Shippea Hill Crossing, again a 30mph speed limit and a 40mph limit. All Highways does is fill the dips with tons of tarmac. The other issue is an increase in traffic from the explosion of developments, people move to the countryside and think the A10 is as fast as the train and try to drive as such. The amount of fatalities on the roads is criminal. The speed limit may be 60 mph, but the road isn’t capable of supporting it. Some ask if it will be a dual carriageway. I think the construction and engineering challenges are going to be difficult to achieve, and I doubt it would follow the existing route. I guess we will have to wait and see.”

Do you think that the worst-affected roads need to be relaid completely? Comment HERE or below to have your say.

Even with a British and Irish Lions tour in 2029, New Zealand Rugby are expecting to make major losses in the next five years

An alarming document has revealed that New Zealand Rugby are predicted to lose £28m over the next five years, despite expecting to bring in record revenues from the 2029 British and Irish Lions tour.

Media in New Zealand have unearthed a confidential NZ Rugby document titled ‘Rugby System Programme’ which spells out the sport’s financial woes. The document has been designed for stakeholders ahead of a rugby summit next week.

Despite the commercial power of the All Blacks, the bleak financial picture painted by the document is set to usher in a complete overhaul of the professional game in New Zealand.

That summit is set to review the entire structure of the game in the country, starting with men’s competitions – such as the five Super Rugby franchises and 14 provincial unions that play in the NPC.

“Current five-year projections have NZR continuing to lose a combined $66m across 2027–31,” the document states, according to The Post in New Zealand. “That includes the 1-in-12-year profit from the 2029 Men’s Lions tour. NZR is incurring significant losses on women’s elite competitions – $8.5m a year.”

The document also reveals that NRL is the most-watched competition in New Zealand, showing the threat faced by rugby league in the country.

“NRL now draws 28m NZ viewing hours against Super Rugby’s 19m and NPC’s 14m,” the document states.

JOIN OUR WALES RUGBY FACEBOOK PAGE Latest news, analysis and much more

The New Zealand Herald report that NZ Rugby currently remains in a strong financial position – with NZ$150m in cash reserves.

They add that there is a NZ$62.5m legacy fund remaining from the sale of an small stake in its commercial operations to private equity firm Silver Lake back in 2022.

The Lions tour in 2029 is expected to exceed the NZ$40m made from the previous tour of Aotearoa in 2017.

And while Lions tours have tended to underpin the finances of SANZAAR nations, with Australia clearing a £32m debt after hosting Andy Farrell’s side last summer, there’s only so much one tour every 12 years can write off.

And the scale of NZ Rugby’s deficit forecast has left the governing body with little option but to implement “structural change to the NZ rugby system” to reduce costs.

The document goes on to reveal that the All Blacks are the only side in New Zealand making a profit, with a return of NZ$38m for the 2026 financial year.

The New Zealand Herald recently revealed that the All Blacks’ fourth Test against South Africa in Baltimore generated around NZ$9m for the union.

However, the women’s side, the Black Ferns, cost the governing body NZ$11m.

The document revealed that payments to players in the national and provincial setups cost NZ$95m. NZ$46m was also paid separately to the five Super Rugby clubs and provincial unions.

Earlier this year, Deloitte assessed that no Super Rugby side in New Zealand would have been profitable since 2019 without NZ Rugby funding.

Former New Zealand captain David Kirk, who skippered his side to World Cup glory in 1987, is heading up the strategic overhaul.

Following a review of men’s and women’s competitions, the next stage of the overhaul will reportedly look at the level of investment in professional players and how rugby is delivered to communities.

Options will be drawn up ahead of a final board decision in December.

New Zealand’s financial woes are just the latest among world rugby’s established nations.

The Rugby Football Union are expected to lose £10m this year, while the Welsh Rugby Union are in the midst of trying to cut a professional team, believing they cannot afford four competitive sides.

Follow all of our channels to ensure you stay up to date with the latest Welsh rugby news. Sign up to our free daily newsletter here and our WhatsApp channel here for all the breaking news.