https://www.scmp.com/rss/519460/feed en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Associated Press Associated Press Pope Leo lifted a wooden cross and held it aloft from his waist at the start of the 14 stations of the Way of the Cross at the Colosseum on his first Good Friday as pontiff, marking the first time in decades that a pope has set out to carry the cross to every station. “I think it will be an important sign because of what the pope represents, a spiritual leader in the world today, and for this voice, that everyone wants to hear, that says Christ still suffers,” Leo told reporters this week... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3349008/pope-leo-carries-cross-full-good-friday-procession-first-do-so-decades?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3349008/pope-leo-carries-cross-full-good-friday-procession-first-do-so-decades?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Apr 2026 20:50:00 +0000 Reuters Reuters Belgium are one game away from a first-ever Rugby World Cup finals appearance, having set up a deciding match against Samoa on Tuesday in the final qualification tournament in Dubai for the 2027 finals in Australia. It would be an upset were Belgium to overcome Samoa, twice World Cup quarter-finalists, but the “Diables Noirs” have already eliminated another perennial contender, Namibia, and emerged as a rapidly improving outfit. The four-team qualifiers in Dubai decide which team fills the 24th... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3332942/belgium-brink-surprise-rugby-world-cup-place-must-beat-samoa?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3332942/belgium-brink-surprise-rugby-world-cup-place-must-beat-samoa?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 15 Nov 2025 15:00:12 +0000 Associated Press Associated Press New Zealand’s government said on Monday it had agreed to pay 10 million tala (US$3.6 million) in compensation to Samoa’s government, a year after New Zealand sailors drove a navy ship aground on a reef off the Pacific Island nation. All 75 people on board evacuated to safety as the boat foundered about 1.6km (one mile) off the coast of Upolu, Samoa’s second largest island, before it caught fire and sank. The wreck of HMNZS Manawanui remains at the site of the sinking on October 6, last year, and... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/australasia/article/3327947/new-zealand-pays-samoa-full-us36-million-compensation-after-navy-ship-sinks-reef?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/australasia/article/3327947/new-zealand-pays-samoa-full-us36-million-compensation-after-navy-ship-sinks-reef?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 Oct 2025 02:21:53 +0000 Nicole Cheah Nicole Cheah Pacific island nations are racing to enhance marine conservation, establishing sweeping “no-take” zones and pledging to sustainably manage vast swathes of their territorial waters despite facing limited resources and geopolitical pressure. Among them, Samoa last month unveiled a ban on fishing, mining and other extractive activities over 30 per cent of its ocean territory by 2027. The move will create 36,000 sq km (13,900 square miles) of marine protected areas (MPAs) – more than 12 times the... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/health-environment/article/3315979/pacific-island-nations-tap-indigenous-know-how-safeguard-ocean-health?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/health-environment/article/3315979/pacific-island-nations-tap-indigenous-know-how-safeguard-ocean-health?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Jun 2025 01:30:16 +0000 The organisers of the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant on Thursday called for unity after judges were stopped from leaving the Solomon Islands amid claims of fraudulent activities after Miss Samoa won the contest for the second year in a row. Solomon Islands, which hosted the pageant, said it had lifted an exit ban on judges leaving the country on Wednesday afternoon, although a police investigation continued into what it said was “alleged fraudulent activities during the crowning of the Miss... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/australasia/article/3298462/miss-pacific-islands-hit-fraud-row-after-samoa-beauty-queen-wins-title?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/australasia/article/3298462/miss-pacific-islands-hit-fraud-row-after-samoa-beauty-queen-wins-title?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 13 Feb 2025 04:00:19 +0000 The sails of the iconic Sydney Opera House were illuminated on Friday night with a photographic tribute to welcome King Charles III and Queen Camilla, as they arrived in Australia on the first visit by a reigning British monarch in 13 years. The royal couple touched down in Australia on Friday, embarking on the king’s most strenuous foreign trip since his life-changing cancer diagnosis eight months ago. After a gruelling 20-plus hour journey, the 75-year-old monarch and his wife Queen Camilla... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/australasia/article/3282970/king-charles-arrives-australia-some-sydney-residents-forgot-they-were-even-coming?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/australasia/article/3282970/king-charles-arrives-australia-some-sydney-residents-forgot-they-were-even-coming?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 18 Oct 2024 10:39:48 +0000 A Royal New Zealand Navy vessel ran aground and sank off Samoa but all 75 crew and passengers on board were safe, the New Zealand Defence Force said in a statement on Sunday. Manawanui, the navy’s specialist dive and hydrographic vessel, ran aground near the southern coast of Upolu on Saturday night as it was conducting a reef survey, Commodore Shane Arndell, the maritime component commander of the New Zealand Defence Force, said in a statement. Several vessels responded and assisted in rescuing... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/australasia/article/3281248/75-board-new-zealand-navy-ship-safe-after-it-sinks-samoa?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/australasia/article/3281248/75-board-new-zealand-navy-ship-safe-after-it-sinks-samoa?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 06 Oct 2024 01:35:16 +0000 King Charles has announced plans to visit Australia and Samoa next month on a trip that will span a dozen time zones and test the monarch’s stamina as he recovers from cancer treatment. The October 18-26 tour, which Buckingham Palace outlined on Tuesday, marks a watershed moment for the 75-year-old king. Charles is slowly returning to public duties after taking a break following his cancer diagnosis in early February. The decision to undertake such a long journey will be seen as a sign of his... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3278016/uks-king-charles-visit-australia-and-samoa-test-stamina-after-cancer-diagnosis?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3278016/uks-king-charles-visit-australia-and-samoa-test-stamina-after-cancer-diagnosis?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Sep 2024 21:04:50 +0000 France booked their place in Thursday’s Olympic rugby sevens knockout phase, but struggled to live up to their pre-tournament favourites tag while powerhouse Fiji showed they will take some beating. Les Bleus came into the sevens competition on a high, boosted by the presence of Antoine Dupont, viewed by many as the world’s greatest player in the 15-a-side code. But a shock 12-12 draw against the United States in their first Pool C encounter on Wednesday was followed by a nail-biting 19-12 win... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3271772/paris-olympics-france-flatter-deceive-fiji-show-sevens-gold-potential-once-more?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3271772/paris-olympics-france-flatter-deceive-fiji-show-sevens-gold-potential-once-more?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 24 Jul 2024 23:14:56 +0000 As the 2024 US presidential election draws closer, it’s all hands on deck for both politicians and their spouses, each playing a critical role in ensuring voter support. One person in the spotlight? Douglas “Doug” Emhoff, husband to current Vice-President Kamala Harris. He may be used to being in the public eye, but that scrutiny only is going to intensify now that President Joe Biden has withdrawn from the race and Harris has officially thrown her hat in the ring for the... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/entertainment/article/3271532/could-doug-emhoff-become-first-gentleman-us-meet-kamala-harris-husband-first-jewish-person-leading?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/entertainment/article/3271532/could-doug-emhoff-become-first-gentleman-us-meet-kamala-harris-husband-first-jewish-person-leading?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 23 Jul 2024 10:00:23 +0000 Antoine Dupont kicks off Olympic action at the Paris Games on Wednesday in a move that could not have been better scripted. Rugby sevens will be held from July 24 to 30, with three days apiece for the men and women’s tournaments at the Stade de France. Dupont, the captain of Toulouse and France in the 15-a-side format, has become one of the faces of the Games after his successful switch to the abbreviated game. His absence from last season’s Six Nations did not sit right with many France fans,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/article/3271527/paris-olympics-fiji-seek-outshine-antoine-dupont-and-defend-rugby-sevens-legacy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/article/3271527/paris-olympics-fiji-seek-outshine-antoine-dupont-and-defend-rugby-sevens-legacy?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 23 Jul 2024 09:30:07 +0000 Japanese and Pacific island leaders largely focused on climate change at their recent meeting even though Tokyo was keen to discuss security cooperation amid China’s growing military and economic influence in the region. The environmental hot potato was a “major priority” for Pacific island nations while Japan was setting its sights on boosting security initiatives in partnership with its allies, according to observers. At the talks held in Tokyo from Tuesday to Thursday, participants said they... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/health-environment/article/3271190/japans-talks-pacific-islands-focus-climate-security-issues-take-back-seat?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/health-environment/article/3271190/japans-talks-pacific-islands-focus-climate-security-issues-take-back-seat?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 20 Jul 2024 04:00:17 +0000 South Korea’s opposition parties controlling the National Assembly are set to introduce a bill to prevent the South Korean military from intervening in a crisis over Taiwan, a top opposition leader said on Thursday. Kim Joon-hyung, interim head of the Rebuilding Korea Party, told This Week in Asia in an exclusive interview that his party and the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea planned to jointly introduce the bill to parliament soon. “There have been growing discussions in Washington... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3270929/south-korea-opposition-aims-stop-militarys-taiwan-entanglement?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3270929/south-korea-opposition-aims-stop-militarys-taiwan-entanglement?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 18 Jul 2024 07:38:31 +0000 Hong Kong’s route to the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup has been mapped out following the draw for this year’s WXV3 tournament in Dubai. Head coach Royce Chan’s team qualified for the competition after claiming second place in the 2024 Asia Rugby Championship (ARC) with victory over Kazakhstan last month. The importance of that result was underlined by Jo Hull, the local governing body’s general manager of rugby performance, who said Hong Kong had to reach WXV3 to keep pace with the fast... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3270767/hong-kong-urged-seize-opportunity-after-learning-route-womens-2025-rugby-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3270767/hong-kong-urged-seize-opportunity-after-learning-route-womens-2025-rugby-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 17 Jul 2024 07:00:09 +0000 The Asian-American community has reacted angrily to an early erroneous report stating that the shooter involved in an attempted assassination of former president Donald Trump over the weekend was Chinese. The rush to judgment played out in the New York Post, a tabloid newspaper, that initially said the shooter was “identified as a Chinese man” before reporting a little over an hour later that the gunman was “identified only as a white male”. The suspected gunman was identified as Thomas Matthew... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3270567/asian-american-community-angered-erroneous-report-donald-trump-shooter-was-chinese?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3270567/asian-american-community-angered-erroneous-report-donald-trump-shooter-was-chinese?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 15 Jul 2024 19:40:14 +0000 Britain’s King Charles is preparing to visit Australia and Samoa in October, an itinerary that will span 12 time zones and test the monarch’s stamina as he recovers from cancer treatment. The trip, announced on Sunday by Buckingham Palace, marks a watershed moment for the 75-year-old king, who has been slowly returning to public duties after taking a break following his cancer diagnosis in early February. The decision to undertake such a long journey will be seen as a sign of Charles’ recovery,... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/australasia/article/3270432/king-charles-visit-australia-and-samoa-first-overseas-tour-cancer-diagnosis?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/australasia/article/3270432/king-charles-visit-australia-and-samoa-first-overseas-tour-cancer-diagnosis?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 14 Jul 2024 22:53:33 +0000 Head coach Joe Barker says he wants Hong Kong’s players to “strive for excellence” when they leave their “comfort zone” during the forthcoming World Rugby U20 Trophy. Hong Kong, who begin their campaign against Japan on Tuesday, have won only two of 28 matches across seven previous appearances in the tournament. They will aim to improve that record in a pool also featuring hosts Scotland and Samoa. Barker can count on a sprinkling of Hong Kong-qualified talent, cannily spotted overseas, for a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3268706/world-rugby-u20-trophy-hong-kong-urged-thrive-pressure-cooker-conditions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3268706/world-rugby-u20-trophy-hong-kong-urged-thrive-pressure-cooker-conditions?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 02 Jul 2024 00:00:13 +0000 China secured the final place in the women’s rugby sevens tournament at the Paris Olympics on Sunday, with South Africa taking the last spot in the men’s draw at the expense of Great Britain. Both sides qualified for the Games after winning the Olympic repechage over the weekend in Monaco, where 12 teams in each draw battled it out for the last available place at the Games up for grabs. Hong Kong’s men and women both made it to the quarter-finals of their competitions, but were comfortably... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3267752/paris-olympics-china-women-cruise-through-monaco-seal-final-rugby-7s-spot?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3267752/paris-olympics-china-women-cruise-through-monaco-seal-final-rugby-7s-spot?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 24 Jun 2024 02:06:46 +0000 Hong Kong rugby bosses have already begun plotting how to manage their latest calendar collision, with crucial women’s 15s and sevens tournaments poised to cross over in September. The full weight of the city’s rugby armoury is currently behind head coach Andy Vilk’s sevens team, as they target success at the Olympic repechage tournament, which gets under way in Monaco on Friday. Hong Kong begin their pool campaign versus Paraguay, whom they comfortably beat earlier this year, before games... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3267396/paris-olympics-hong-kong-rugby-women-brace-fixture-clash-7s-team-chase-games-spot?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3267396/paris-olympics-hong-kong-rugby-women-brace-fixture-clash-7s-team-chase-games-spot?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 21 Jun 2024 00:00:11 +0000 China’s rugby sevens coaches are confident their women’s team can live up to expectations back home and reach the Paris Olympics via the final qualifying tournament in Monaco, which starts on Friday. And they have a former Hong Kong international helping their cause, in technical coach and video analyst Fan Shun-kei, who is under no illusion about the aspirations held by Chinese officials. Changes have been made since China fell short in their first attempt to qualify, in the Asian qualifier... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3267406/can-china-reach-paris-olympics-rugby-sevens-handling-expectation-key-last-qualifier?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3267406/can-china-reach-paris-olympics-rugby-sevens-handling-expectation-key-last-qualifier?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 20 Jun 2024 12:12:05 +0000 Hong Kong women scored three unanswered tries to end their Asia Rugby Championship with victory over Kazakhstan on Saturday, one of the most significant wins in the Test team’s 26-year history. A 22-0 triumph helped head coach Royce Chan Leong-sze’s side finish second behind Japan, earning them a spot at the global WXV3 tournament and keeping their hopes of reaching the 2025 Rugby World Cup in England alive. Chan had arranged a surprise visit from families and friends to the team hotel for... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3265026/hong-kong-women-keep-world-cup-dream-alive-prove-too-powerful-kazakhstan-asia-rugby-championship?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3265026/hong-kong-women-keep-world-cup-dream-alive-prove-too-powerful-kazakhstan-asia-rugby-championship?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 01 Jun 2024 13:51:26 +0000 Former Samoa star Apollo Perelini said World Rugby needed to “step up” its support of lower-tier nations, as his United Arab Emirates side prepared to take on Hong Kong on Saturday. In charge of UAE rugby as a whole, Perelini has guided his side to the Asia Rugby Championship for the first time, and their encounter against the hosts is the opening game of this year’s tournament. Perelini said reaching the ARC, which also features South Korea and Malaysia, was huge for the UAE, and something his... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3264756/world-rugby-must-step-support-lowly-nations-says-perelini-who-expects-uae-prove-quality-against-hong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3264756/world-rugby-must-step-support-lowly-nations-says-perelini-who-expects-uae-prove-quality-against-hong?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 31 May 2024 00:00:16 +0000 New Zealand celebrated twin success for the second straight tournament while Argentina did enough to claim the men’s HSBC SVNS Series title, on an exhilarating closing day of the Singapore Sevens. Both Kiwi teams reigned supreme at last month’s Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, repeating their dominance from 2023. And New Zealand on Sunday turned Singapore black, too, to lay down a marker ahead of the Paris Olympics in July. The women inflicted a second-half blitz on Australia to win a rip-roaring... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3261496/singapore-sevens-double-joy-kiwis-who-lay-down-olympic-marker-argentina-win-first-world-series-title?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3261496/singapore-sevens-double-joy-kiwis-who-lay-down-olympic-marker-argentina-win-first-world-series-title?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 05 May 2024 13:08:23 +0000 Five years ago, the Centre for Heritage, Arts and Textile (Chat) opened at The Mills in Tsuen Wan, in Hong Kong’s New Territories. A historical landmark, it was once a leading textile factory, and had undergone a four-year transformation. “In our imagination, in our memory, a factory is a place full of power and energy,” says Wang Weiwei, the curator of exhibitions and collections at Chat. That is why, as the centre celebrates its fifth anniversary, it hopes to recapture that energy through a... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3261337/hong-kong-art-space-chat-reflects-citys-past-and-envisions-future-fifth-anniversary-show-factory?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3261337/hong-kong-art-space-chat-reflects-citys-past-and-envisions-future-fifth-anniversary-show-factory?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 05 May 2024 05:15:15 +0000 Great Britain men’s hopes of avoiding a shoot-out to preserve their elite HSBC SVNS Series status were severely dented on a topsy-turvy opening day of the Singapore Sevens. The Britons were beaten 19-5 by Ireland in their opening Pool C fixture, but retain hope of progressing to the quarter-finals after stunning Olympic champions Fiji 19-14 in their second match. They were done no favours by results elsewhere in the pool, however. USA, the only team within reach of ninth-placed GB in the overall... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3261402/singapore-sevens-great-britain-world-series-status-jeopardy-following-mixed-opening-day-michael?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3261402/singapore-sevens-great-britain-world-series-status-jeopardy-following-mixed-opening-day-michael?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 May 2024 14:14:12 +0000 Hong Kong’s men have been drawn alongside Spain, Papua New Guinea and Brazil for the pool stages of the final sevens Olympic qualifying tournament in June. Unlikely to reach the Games in Paris this summer after missing out on the regional qualifying spot to Japan, Jevon Groves’ side have at least avoided South Africa, Canada and Great Britain in the opening rounds. The city’s women have a slightly easier task ahead of them, having been grouped with Uganda, Paraguay and Jamaica for the World... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3259799/paris-olympics-hong-kongs-men-face-spain-last-chance-sevens-qualifier-while-uganda-among-womens-pool?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3259799/paris-olympics-hong-kongs-men-face-spain-last-chance-sevens-qualifier-while-uganda-among-womens-pool?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 21 Apr 2024 09:00:23 +0000 The United States’ coastguard has rejected comments by a Chinese diplomat that its recent boardings of Chinese fishing boats in the Pacific alongside local police are illegal, saying the joint patrols are at the behest of Pacific nations to protect coastal fisheries. Six Chinese fishing boats were reportedly found to be violating Vanuatu’s fisheries law last month after being inspected by local police who were on board the first US Coast Guard boat to patrol the waters of the Pacific island... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/australasia/article/3258467/us-coastguard-rejects-chinese-claim-it-illegally-boarded-fishing-boats-pacific-host-nations-invite?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/australasia/article/3258467/us-coastguard-rejects-chinese-claim-it-illegally-boarded-fishing-boats-pacific-host-nations-invite?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 Apr 2024 04:33:52 +0000 The second day of 2024’s Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens takes place on Saturday, featuring the world’s 12 best men’s and women’s teams, probably for the last time at the present stadium. Hong Kong are playing for Melrose Claymore titles alongside the main draw. Here is everything you need to know. Hong Kong Sevens schedule Gates open at 7am on Saturday. After some mini rugby, Japan v Spain women kicks off day two at 9.30am. USA and Canada women will try to preserve their 100 per cent winning... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3258050/hong-kong-sevens-2024-schedule-results-tv-info-tickets-all-you-need-know-day-2?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3258050/hong-kong-sevens-2024-schedule-results-tv-info-tickets-all-you-need-know-day-2?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Apr 2024 20:41:15 +0000 Harry McNulty was still coated in sweat and recovering his breath following Ireland’s defeat by South Africa on Friday, but the captain of rugby sevens’ coming force effortlessly flipped his mind back to the country’s humble beginnings in the sport. Ireland, who finished day one of the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens nicely poised, after beating Samoa in their second match, were late to the sevens party, establishing a full-time programme only in May 2015. They began in Rugby Europe Division C,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3257988/hong-kong-sevens-rising-force-ireland-say-our-grit-comes-having-point-prove-make-hosts-rue-sliding?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3257988/hong-kong-sevens-rising-force-ireland-say-our-grit-comes-having-point-prove-make-hosts-rue-sliding?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Apr 2024 11:30:14 +0000 The party is back on in full swing for rugby fans ahead of this weekend’s sell-out Hong Kong Sevens with spectators descending on the city from around the world, although bar operators have said business is still far from pre-Covid levels. Pubs and bars in Wan Chai were brimming on Thursday with decreasingly sober patrons as the night went on. A number of them were set to attend the first day of the Sevens tournament at the 40,000-seat Hong Kong Stadium in Causeway Bay on Friday. Among those... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3257886/hong-kong-sevens-2024-party-starts-rugby-fans-arrive-around-world?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3257886/hong-kong-sevens-2024-party-starts-rugby-fans-arrive-around-world?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Apr 2024 00:30:15 +0000 New Zealand captain Dylan Collier said his team would manage the pressure of wearing the storied All Blacks jersey, when they bid to defend their Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens title this week. Collier, who replaced Scott Curry as skipper last year, is fit again after missing the past two tournaments, in Los Angeles and Vancouver, because of injury. By their own high standards, the Kiwis have endured a rotten few months. They found themselves scrapping with Samoa for 10th spot in world series legs... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3257761/hong-kong-sevens-all-blacks-captain-collier-backs-defending-champions-handle-pressure-confident?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3257761/hong-kong-sevens-all-blacks-captain-collier-backs-defending-champions-handle-pressure-confident?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 04 Apr 2024 02:00:35 +0000 The hotly anticipated 2024 Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens gets under way on Friday, with the world’s 12 best men’s and women’s teams vying to go down in history as the last winners at Hong Kong Stadium. Both Hong Kong sides will aim to sign off from a venue synonymous with sevens by claiming the inaugural Melrose Claymores titles. As we get set for three days of top-quality sport colliding with world-class partying, here is everything you need to know. Hong Kong Sevens schedule Strap yourself in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3257721/hong-kong-sevens-2024-schedule-draw-tickets-players-watch-tv-info-entertainment-all-you-need-know?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3257721/hong-kong-sevens-2024-schedule-draw-tickets-players-watch-tv-info-entertainment-all-you-need-know?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 03 Apr 2024 12:15:11 +0000 Andy Vilk has revealed that his first few months managing the Hong Kong women’s sevens team was a “whirlwind” and a “steep learning curve” – and there are more storms and climbing ahead in the next three months. First up is the Melrose Claymore competition at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens this weekend. Then it is on to Krakow, Poland, for the third leg of the World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger on May 18 and 19. And finally, from June 21 to 23, Hong Kong will vie for a place at the Paris... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3257684/hong-kong-sevens-2024-melrose-claymores-tournament-start-another-tough-few-months-says-womens-coach?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3257684/hong-kong-sevens-2024-melrose-claymores-tournament-start-another-tough-few-months-says-womens-coach?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 03 Apr 2024 10:30:16 +0000 A traditional Ghana priest has sparked a national outcry after marrying a 13-year-old girl, prompting calls for his arrest. The 63-year-old priest Nuumo Borketey Laweh Tsuru XXXIII, also known as Gborbu Wulomo, married the girl in a traditional ceremony on Saturday near the capital Accra. Her age is in dispute between 12 and 16, but she and her mother were placed under police protection soon after the marriage and Ghana’s attorney general opened an investigation. “The allegations, if proven,... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/africa/article/3257737/ghana-63-year-old-priest-marries-13-year-old-bride-sparking-outrage-investigation-calls-his-arrest?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/africa/article/3257737/ghana-63-year-old-priest-marries-13-year-old-bride-sparking-outrage-investigation-calls-his-arrest?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 03 Apr 2024 10:03:32 +0000 By 2100, just six of the world’s 204 economies will still have growing populations. All of them are small. Three of them are in poverty-stricken sub-Saharan Africa. The rest – including all of the largest economies – will for many decades have been living with shrinking birth rates and steadily ageing populations. The implications of this demographic upheaval will be huge, and the impact profound – across populations, economies, geopolitics, food security, health and the environment. They mean... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3257136/we-need-prepare-shrinking-world-population-will-we?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3257136/we-need-prepare-shrinking-world-population-will-we?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 29 Mar 2024 10:30:14 +0000 The population of almost every country will be shrinking by the end of the century, a major study said on Wednesday, warning that baby booms in developing nations and busts in rich ones will drive massive social change. The fertility rate in half of all nations is already too low to maintain their population size, an international team of hundreds of researchers reported in The Lancet. Using a huge amount of global data on births, deaths and what drives fertility, the researchers tried to... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3256161/world-facing-staggering-social-change-global-fertility-rate-keep-diving-century-study?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3256161/world-facing-staggering-social-change-global-fertility-rate-keep-diving-century-study?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 21 Mar 2024 03:15:04 +0000 Both of New Zealand’s defending champion teams have been handed tricky starts to the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, after the tournament pools were drawn on Friday. The event on April 5 to 7 is being staged at Hong Kong Stadium for the last time before an expected move to Kai Tak Sports Park next year. Hong Kong is the sixth stop on World Rugby’s eight-leg HSBC SVNS Series, featuring the world’s 12 leading sevens nations. New Zealand’s men, who beat Fiji in last year’s final to capture their 12th... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3254707/hong-kong-sevens-2024-draw-new-zealands-defending-champions-handed-tricky-starts-stadiums-farewell?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3254707/hong-kong-sevens-2024-draw-new-zealands-defending-champions-handed-tricky-starts-stadiums-farewell?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 08 Mar 2024 10:34:02 +0000 Republican Nikki Haley suffered a string of significant losses on Tuesday that prompted allies to believe that the end of her 2024 presidential campaign may be near. She did not make any public statements as officials counted ballots coast to coast late into the night. Privately, Haley’s team expected Republican rival Donald Trump to win almost every one of the so-called Super Tuesday contests despite their best efforts to stop him. Haley logged her only victory in Vermont. She spent the night... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3254368/super-tuesday-2024-haley-campaign-pushed-brink-after-trump-trouncing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3254368/super-tuesday-2024-haley-campaign-pushed-brink-after-trump-trouncing?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 06 Mar 2024 07:08:33 +0000 US President Joe Biden’s impending coronation as the 2024 Democratic candidate was interrupted – slightly – on Super Tuesday when a little-known businessman claimed victory in American Samoa. Jason Palmer beat the incumbent and runaway favourite in the tiny Pacific Ocean territory’s caucus, securing a majority there even if most Americans are unaware of who he is. Of the 91 votes cast, Palmer scooped 51, against Biden’s 40, the local party said. “Honoured to announce my victory in the American... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3254352/who-jason-palmer-joe-biden-loses-american-samoa-primary-super-tuesday?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3254352/who-jason-palmer-joe-biden-loses-american-samoa-primary-super-tuesday?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 06 Mar 2024 05:50:42 +0000 US President Joe Biden and former president Donald Trump swept to victory in statewide nominating contests across the country on Tuesday, setting up a historic rematch in November’s general election despite low approval ratings for both candidates. Trump won the Republican votes in 14 of 15 states – including delegate-rich California and Texas – brushing aside former UN ambassador Nikki Haley, his last remaining rival. Haley’s only win of the night came in Vermont. Trump’s commanding performance... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3254322/donald-trump-dominating-super-tuesday-he-moves-closer-rematch-against-joe-biden?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3254322/donald-trump-dominating-super-tuesday-he-moves-closer-rematch-against-joe-biden?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 06 Mar 2024 02:35:10 +0000 Donald Trump will march to the threshold of a third Republican presidential nomination this week as millions of Americans vote in “Super Tuesday” – a critical milestone in his party’s lopsided 2024 race for the White House. Normally the most consequential part of the campaign before the election itself, Super Tuesday decides Republican and Democratic primaries in the giant states of California and Texas, as well as more than a dozen other battlegrounds. But the usual drama will largely be absent... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3254066/super-tuesday-2024-donald-trump-puts-joe-biden-cross-hairs-nikki-haley-trails-far-behind?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3254066/super-tuesday-2024-donald-trump-puts-joe-biden-cross-hairs-nikki-haley-trails-far-behind?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 04 Mar 2024 06:29:24 +0000 It is one of the most iconic sights in sport. Two burly, bare-chested wrestlers face off before trying to force their opponent to the ground or out of the ring using time-honoured techniques and brute force. This is sumo and it is the national sport of Japan. But there is a glitch, despite the country’s love of the larger-than-life grapplers, non-Japanese wrestlers dominate this unique form of one-on-one combat. Here, the Post explains why. Origins Originating in Japan, sumo boasts a 1,500-year... https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3253476/sumo-national-sport-japan-so-why-do-mongolian-fighters-dominate-what-it-takes-make-great-giant?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3253476/sumo-national-sport-japan-so-why-do-mongolian-fighters-dominate-what-it-takes-make-great-giant?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 04 Mar 2024 06:00:10 +0000 As Japan and Pacific island nations look to cooperate on a wide range of issues and close ranks against growing Chinese influence in the region, analysts say Tokyo also has to tackle the region’s concerns. These include climate change, disaster relief, and the discharge of waste water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant – an issue where greater “trust” and communication will be needed – while maritime and security ties with the region also need strengthening. At a meeting in the Fijian... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3253015/chinas-pacific-influence-grows-japan-eyes-deeper-ties-island-nations-amid-their-domestic-woes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3253015/chinas-pacific-influence-grows-japan-eyes-deeper-ties-island-nations-amid-their-domestic-woes?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 26 Feb 2024 00:00:18 +0000 Antoine Dupont scored a try deep into injury time to send France into the semi-finals of the Canada Sevens, as he continued his debut tournament on the HSBC SVNS circuit. Dupont settled a tense quarter-final against Ireland with the final play of the game to edge it 12-5 at Vancouver’s BC Place Stadium on Saturday, local time. France’s regular 15-a-side captain and scrum-half has switched to sevens in the hope of playing in this year’s Olympics on home turf in Paris. The former world player of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3253136/antoine-dupont-stars-sevens-debut-last-gasp-winning-try-france-vancouver?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3253136/antoine-dupont-stars-sevens-debut-last-gasp-winning-try-france-vancouver?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 25 Feb 2024 09:17:22 +0000 Antoine Dupont is set to begin a detour into rugby sevens that the world’s outstanding scrum-half hopes will lead him to this year’s Olympics – and it could see him play in Hong Kong along the way. Dupont has been named in the France squad for this weekend’s Vancouver SVNS tournament as he switches from 15-a-side rugby to target success at the Games on home turf in Paris. He has skipped this season’s Six Nations championship, leaving his teammates toiling in his absence. After his expected debut... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3252894/hong-kong-sevens-2024-could-france-superstar-antoine-dupont-add-x-factor-city-april?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3252894/hong-kong-sevens-2024-could-france-superstar-antoine-dupont-add-x-factor-city-april?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 22 Feb 2024 23:30:12 +0000 One might think rookie Nikko Remigio would be fielding all kinds of questions on making it to the Super Bowl in his first pro season. But leading up to Sunday’s game in Las Vegas, his family in the Philippines have asked more about Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift. Why haven’t they asked for anything, not even Kansas City Chiefs merchandise? The 24-year-old wide receiver’s new level of visibility already feels like a prize. “One of the big things not only for me – but I know for my dad and his... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3251629/super-bowl-lviii-asian-american-and-pacific-islanders-make-their-mark-nfl-despite-being-deemed-not?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3251629/super-bowl-lviii-asian-american-and-pacific-islanders-make-their-mark-nfl-despite-being-deemed-not?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 10 Feb 2024 14:00:11 +0000 Measles cases soared in Europe in 2023 to 42,200, a nearly 45-fold increase over the previous year, the UN health agency said on Tuesday, calling for urgent vaccination efforts to halt the spread. Some 41 countries out of 53 the World Health Organization includes in its Europe region reported the infectious disease, WHO said. In 2022, 941 cases were registered. Vaccination rates against the disease slipped during the Covid-19 pandemic and “urgent vaccination efforts are needed to halt... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3249540/measles-cases-europe-surge-nearly-45-fold-who-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3249540/measles-cases-europe-surge-nearly-45-fold-who-says?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 23 Jan 2024 19:27:42 +0000 New Netflix documentary Hell Camp: Teen Nightmare has shocked viewers after exposing the truth behind America’s “behavioural camps” for children. Directed by Liza Williams, the 90-minute film explores the lines between discipline and abuse, sharing the stories of survivors and the people behind the brutal Challenger programme. Here’s what we learned about the camp ... and the people who run it. What was the Challenger programme? The programme was run by the Challenger Foundation, an... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/entertainment/article/3247379/inside-netflixs-hell-camp-teen-nightmare-what-wilderness-therapy-which-camp-was-paris-hilton-sent?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/entertainment/article/3247379/inside-netflixs-hell-camp-teen-nightmare-what-wilderness-therapy-which-camp-was-paris-hilton-sent?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Jan 2024 21:00:18 +0000 Revellers counted down to midnight on New Year’s Eve across the globe on Sunday as fireworks and cheering crowds offered a hopeful start to 2024 for some, even as the world’s ongoing conflicts subdued celebrations and raised security concerns. The march of midnight from time zone to time zone brought the new year first to places like Australia, where more than 1 million people watched a pyrotechnic display centered around Sydney’s famous Opera House and harbour bridge - a number of spectators... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/article/3246839/world-welcomes-2024-spectacular-fireworks-and-light-shows?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/article/3246839/world-welcomes-2024-spectacular-fireworks-and-light-shows?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 01 Jan 2024 01:06:10 +0000 Pacific Islanders have railed at the “catastrophic” implications of the failure of world leaders at Cop28 to agree a hard stop to the use of fossil fuels, and are now turning inward for solutions in a desperate bid to protect communities at extreme risk of vanishing beneath the sea. There are 2.3 million people across the Pacific nations, keepers of old, unique cultures facing the prospect of vanishing beneath the waves as temperatures rise, with nations like Kiribati and Tuvalu forecast to... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3245480/pacific-nations-biggest-risk-rising-sea-levels-condemn-cop28-deal-disaster-humankind?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3245480/pacific-nations-biggest-risk-rising-sea-levels-condemn-cop28-deal-disaster-humankind?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 18 Dec 2023 11:00:11 +0000