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At a damp morning meeting in Sandy Park, Exeter Chiefs chairman Tony Rowe outlined the club’s next chapter: a potential sale to an American investment group that will be decided by the club’s 700‑plus members at an extraordinary general meeting on 7 May.Rowe, now 77, has steered the Chiefs for more than three decades, guiding the team from a modest county‑ground side to Premiership champions in 2010. Yet he admits that “romance doesn’t pay the bills” in today’s professional rugby, and a well‑funded owner could finally provide the financial muscle the club needs.The proposed buyer is described as a “mega‑wealthy multi‑sport investor” already active in British football. If the vote passes, the investor would inject fresh capital, allowing Exeter to compete for top talent such as marquee player Immanuel Feyi‑Waboso and to pursue broader ambitions.Rowe argues that English club rugby must look beyond nostalgia. “We’ve got to wake up and smell the coffee,” he said, emphasizing the need for an owner with deep pockets. He warned that the club’s current shareholder structure, which “has no money,” limits growth.The takeover is part of a wider trend of foreign money entering English rugby, following recent investments in Newcastle Red Bulls and Bath. Rowe believes a cash‑rich owner will position Exeter to help expand the Premiership from its current ten clubs to twelve, and eventually fourteen, with a view to incorporating Welsh sides.He suggested that adding “two Welsh clubs” could revitalise Welsh rugby, which he described as “on its arse,” and noted that travel logistics would not be a barrier for English clubs making weekend trips to Wales.Financial pressures remain acute. Rowe cited a £25 million loss from Covid and the post‑pandemic mini‑recession, compounded by a government grant that was later converted into a loan and a Rugby Football Union (RFU) contribution that covered only half of the promised support.He also criticised a £200 million 2018 deal that gave private‑equity firm CVC Capital Partners a 27 % share of the club’s commercial rights. “We should never have sold those shares,” Rowe lamented, adding that CVC has done little to boost sponsorship or “razzmatazz” for the sport.Looking ahead, Rowe stresses the importance of attracting a younger, millennial fan base, noting that “our future supporters are millennials” and that they will be the financial lifeline of the club.Despite the uncertainties, Rowe remains optimistic. He confirmed he will stay on under the new ownership, describing the investors as “long‑term” and “understanding of the sport.” He warned the new owners must respect Exeter’s Devonian heritage, likening the club’s future to a bus that needs a fresh fuel supply to reach “even greater success.”

The recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon has brought a temporary halt to the fighting, but the situation on the ground remains volatile. Despite US President Donald Trump's claim that it is the 10th war he has ended, the stability of the region is far from assured.Israeli troops have remained in their positions deep in Lebanon, and Hezbollah fighters have stated that their fingers 'remained on the triggers,' indicating a readiness to resume hostilities if necessary. The ceasefire was imposed from above, with each side firing off as many bombs, drones, and rockets as they could before it came into effect.The agreement aims to facilitate direct negotiations between the Lebanese and Israeli governments, a significant achievement in itself as they have not spoken directly in decades. However, the path to a lasting peace is fraught with challenges, including the status of Hezbollah's arms and Israel's continued occupation of southern Lebanon.The negotiators face a daunting task in achieving 'lasting peace' between the two countries, with the goal of ensuring the Lebanese government has the exclusive monopoly of force in its territory and a formal demarcation of a contested border. Sustained international focus will be crucial in maintaining the peace talks, or else the war could easily resume.In Israel, there is pressure to continue the war in Lebanon, with many residents of northern Israel wanting the conflict to finally end the threat from Hezbollah. Israeli officials have boasted of military victory over Hezbollah but have also implied that the war could resume if their demands are not met by Lebanon.

After intensive negotiations, AFC Bournemouth appear set to secure Marco Rose as their next head coach, with an agreement in principle already reached. Rose, the 49‑year‑old German who last managed RB Leipzig until March 2025, will replace Andoni Iraola when his contract expires this summer.Bournemouth’s head of football operations, Tiago Pinto, moved quickly after learning of Iraola’s decision to pursue a new challenge. While the club initially explored a move for Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna, the hefty buyout clause attached to his contract made the Rose option more viable.Rose’s availability after a year out of work simplifies the deal, allowing him to begin planning for the 2026‑27 season immediately. The club hopes he can sustain the momentum built by Iraola, who has overseen a remarkable rise since his summer 2023 appointment, including a stunning victory over Arsenal and a genuine bid for European qualification for the first time in the club’s history.Despite selling a substantial portion of their squad – notably losing three‑quarters of their back four last summer and seeing winger Antoine Semenyo depart for Manchester City in January – Bournemouth have benefited from shrewd recruitment, recouping high fees and reinvesting in quality replacements. A looming challenge for Rose will be to fend off interest in midfielder Alex Scott, with Chelsea reportedly among the suitors.Rose brings an impressive résumé, having guided Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League and worked alongside stars such as Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham. His previous managerial stints include successful spells at RB Salzburg and Borussia Mönchengladbach, underscoring his experience at the highest levels of European football.

Oil and gas prices experienced a significant decline of almost 10% on Friday following Iran's announcement that the Strait of Hormuz is open to commercial shipping. This development could pave the way for tankers carrying millions of barrels of oil and gas to access the global market.Iran's foreign minister stated that vessels are free to transit the Strait of Hormuz during the 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. Brent crude, the international benchmark, fell by 9% to $90 a barrel, while the benchmark European gas contract dropped by about 8.5% to €38.80 (£33.80) per megawatt hour.The US naval blockade on Iran's use of the strait remains in full force, according to Donald Trump, until a deal is reached with Tehran. Trump expressed optimism that the process will move quickly, as most points have already been negotiated.The crisis in the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted supplies of Middle Eastern crude and gas, as well as refined fuels from Gulf refineries, in what the International Energy Agency has described as the biggest energy supply crisis in history. Before the crisis, over 130 ships a day travelled through the strait, but this has reduced to a trickle under threats from Iran's Revolutionary Guards.There are currently around 800 tankers stuck in the Gulf, with about 300 being oil and gas tankers. It remains uncertain whether tankers will be required to pay a fee of about $2m (£1.5m) for safe passage through the strait.Analysts, such as Giovanni Staunovo from UBS, view Iran's comments as a sign of de-escalation, but emphasize the need to see a substantial increase in the number of tankers crossing the strait.

Negotiations are intensifying between the Australian National Rugby League (NRL) and the UK’s Super League over a prospective takeover that could reshape the sport’s calendar and governance. The NRL’s chief executive, Andrew Abdo, told The Guardian that any acquisition would hinge on a major investment package and a decisive move to re‑introduce a winter competition, the first such change since 1996.Abdo travelled to England this week to discuss the feasibility of the deal, emphasizing that the London Broncos would be pivotal to the NRL’s vision. He warned that British clubs would need to surrender the extensive control they currently wield if they hope to benefit from the financial backing the NRL could provide.The proposed shift to a winter schedule is driven by the prospect of a global broadcast arrangement that would allow the NRL to sell television rights throughout the year. While a summer season avoids clashing with the Premier League, Abdo argued that a unified calendar could attract new fans and sponsors on an international scale.Super League clubs are reportedly losing close to £20 million annually. An infusion of NRL capital could not only cover the salary‑cap obligations for every club but also free up resources for further investment in facilities, talent development and marketing.Governance would also undergo a overhaul. The NRL operates under an independent commission, whereas Super League’s club owners currently dominate decision‑making. Abdo stressed the need for an independent governing body to make “tough calls” and separate day‑to‑day club interests from the sport’s strategic direction.London’s role is another cornerstone of the plan. Abdo highlighted the city’s diverse population and commercial potential, suggesting that a strong London franchise could boost fan acquisition, sponsorship deals, and overall league visibility.With the existing Sky Sports broadcast contract set to expire at the end of the season, timing is critical. The NRL aims to align its own TV‑rights expansion with a possible partnership, viewing broadcasting as the key lever for global growth.While no formal offer has been lodged, Abdo indicated that the NRL will present its findings to its board and Australian clubs before any official proposal is made. The next few weeks will be decisive for both leagues as they weigh the benefits of a combined, year‑round rugby league ecosystem.

Sean Shibe's latest album, Vesper, is a masterclass in guitar virtuosity and imagination. The album features a thoughtfully curated selection of works by three British composers: Thomas Adès, Harrison Birtwistle, and James Dillon.Shibe's playing is acutely articulate and technically impeccable as he surveys the guitar's expressive potential through the lens of these composers. The album includes Thomas Adès's Forgotten Dances, a homage to the baroque dance suite, which combines stately harmonics with sneaking slides and pounces.The revelation for some will be five melodic miniatures by Harrison Birtwistle, including Berceuse de Jeanne and Sleep Song, bewitching lullabies that showcase Shibe's mastery of the guitar. Beyond the White Hand, a thorny piece that lasts over 18 minutes, is a testament to Shibe's technical skill and musicality.The album concludes with James Dillon's 12 Caprices, a series of concise meditations that explore the relationship between the structure of the instrument and its modes of expression. Overall, Vesper is a mind-expanding and imaginative recital that showcases Shibe's virtuosity and musicality.

Video released by regional media captures scenes of spontaneous jubilation across Lebanon as a ceasefire with Israel comes into force. Residents gathered in public squares, streets and coastal promenades, waving flags and expressing palpable relief after a period of heightened military alert.While detailed reports on the negotiations remain limited, the immediate public reaction underscores the deep desire for stability in a region long marked by intermittent hostilities. The footage, filmed in several Lebanese cities, shows crowds chanting, children playing, and local businesses reopening, signaling an early return to normalcy.Analysts note that the ceasefire, though fragile, offers a critical window for diplomatic engagement and humanitarian aid delivery to affected areas. The visible optimism among Lebanese citizens highlights the broader regional hope that de‑escalation can translate into lasting peace.

Pakistan's Field Marshal Asim Munir has taken on an unexpected role as a peacemaker in the conflict between the US and Iran. His efforts have been widely praised, with US President Donald Trump describing them as 'fantastic'. Munir's involvement in the peace talks began after the US vice-president, JD Vance, left Islamabad following failed negotiations between the US and Iran. Despite this, Munir continued to engage with both sides, using his influence to push for a deal. Munir's phone calls played a crucial role in the frantic international efforts last week, resulting in a last-minute ceasefire agreement after Trump's threat that Iran's civilisation would 'die' if they did not agree to a deal. Trump is said to have directly leaned on Munir to use his influence and knowledge of the Iranians to help reach the off-ramp. Munir's ability to communicate with both the US and Iran has been key to his success. He has built strong relationships with leaders in Washington, Riyadh, and Tehran, and has been able to facilitate talks between the two nations. Munir's efforts have not only helped to reduce tensions between the US and Iran but have also elevated Pakistan's position as a credible diplomatic interlocutor. His role in the peace talks has been seen as a significant achievement for Pakistan, which has long sought to play a more prominent role in regional diplomacy. Analysts have noted that Munir's success is not solely due to his individual efforts, but also the result of a collective effort by the Pakistani government and military. However, his role in the peace talks has been widely acknowledged, and he is seen as a key player in maintaining peace in the Gulf and the Middle East. Munir's diplomatic activism has been driven by his strong relationships with leaders and countries, as well as his understanding of the importance of personality-driven diplomacy. His efforts have helped to build a global story for Pakistan, and have cemented his position as a major player in regional diplomacy.

Qatar is currently hosting diplomatic talks in an effort to revive the stalled Iran peace process. The initiative aims to bring Iran back to the negotiating table after years of stalled discussions. The talks, facilitated by Qatar, are a significant development in the region as they seek to address longstanding tensions.The peace process had lost momentum in recent years, but Qatar's involvement signals a renewed push for diplomatic engagement. The talks are expected to focus on key issues that have hindered progress in the past.Qatar's role in facilitating these talks underscores its growing influence in regional diplomacy. The country has been actively involved in various peace efforts and has hosted several high-level meetings in recent years.