bbc--2020-05-25--'I left my campervan in Argentina'

'I left my campervan in Argentina'

Imagine breaking free .
You sell your possessions , buy a van , pack it with what you need , and go .
For months or years you live a frugal life , going wherever you want .
But for thousands who made this dream a reality , coronavirus brought them to a sudden halt , writes Paula Dear , and left them stranded with a van and a vanload of kit on the far side of the world .
For Radka and Ivar the plan began to form when they met in 2016 .
Both working as personal carers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ central Norway , they would cross paths as she finished the night shift and he took over for the day .
`` We met for like five minutes , to change the shift .
I was very charming in the morning , '' jokes Radka .
`` And then you would stay for breakfast sometimes , '' Ivar adds .
Radka was the more experienced traveller .
She had previously hitchhiked from Russia to south-east Asia and was preparing to do the same from Argentina to Alaska .
But after falling in love @ @ @ @ @ @ @ process of retraining as a nurse , she faced a dilemma .
`` There were lots of conversations .
I said , 'You have to promise me that once you 're done studying you 'll go with me . '
It was a deal-breaker , and Ivar adopted my dream very quickly ! ''
she says .
In the meantime , Radka took a six-week trip to Patagonia with a friend , and at one point hitched a lift with a woman called Silvia from Ushuaia in Argentina , the world 's southernmost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and three years later this would turn out to be a critical stroke of luck .
Radka and Ivar 's plan slowly morphed from backpacking to travelling the Americas by van , and they picked up a second-hand Toyota Hiace .
With help from Radka 's dad , they built a basic bed and kitchen in the back , and storage for their gear - including climbing and freediving equipment , bicycles and an inflatable canoe .
`` We needed a van because Ivar has a shedload of sports stuff , '' says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the freedom of it .
When we are inside the van , with gas for two months and food for several weeks , we can be totally off grid .
We thought it would be great to have comfort and the ability to drive wherever we want . ''
Ivar , who 'd previously been a climbing instructor , studied hard for his nursing degree and they worked `` every single job that came our way '' to save money , says Radka , who would often finish a nightshift and go on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours off ahead of the next nightshift .
She developed terrible sleeping problems , she says : `` I burnt out and made myself ill .
But I did it because I had a dream , and I wanted to make it come true . ''
In the flurry of preparations , they were still making last-minute modifications to the van on the day they drove it to the port in Germany for its voyage across the Atlantic and through the Panama Canal to Chile .
Six weeks later , in early January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it and begin their epic journey .
It was the height of summer and their plan was to loop down at a leisurely pace to the southern tip of Argentina - the symbolic start of their one-to-two year trip - and then drive north , all the way to Alaska .
So , stopping frequently , they slowly headed south , enjoying hikes in the Chilean island of Chiloé and Argentinian trekking hub of El Chaltén , and a trip to the 5km-wide Perito Moreno glacier .
Camping out in nature soon started @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patterns .
El Chaltén was `` absolutely amazing '' , says Radka , who had long fantasised about photographing the famous fiery reds and burnt oranges and yellows of the Patagonian autumn , which by this time was already beginning .
`` But the weather forecast was bad , so we said , 'Let 's go to Ushuaia and when we come back this way it 's going to be even nicer colours , ' '' Ivar says .
By this stage they were hearing reports of Covid lockdowns in Europe , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chile that similar moves seemed unlikely there .
`` We were discussing whether we should go to Ushuaia or not , because it 's locked in with a Chilean part above it .
But there really was n't any news , and when we asked people they said it was just recommended to wash your hands , no more .
So we decided to go .
And then it all happened really quickly and we could n't get back out , '' says Ivar .
Hours after they arrived on 15 March , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the Argentinian side of Tierra del Fuego island , which can only be exited via a Chilean ferry .
With people being ordered to stay at home or in hotels they decided to drive out of the city and wait out the initial 14-day lockdown in their van .
As camping was banned , they had to conceal their plans from the police when they encountered a checkpoint at the edge of Ushuaia .
An hour north , at a forest lake called Laguna Margarita , they found a spot to wild-camp @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see us and report us .
But we were really deep in the woods , and nobody came , '' says Ivar .
When the weather allowed , they paddled on the lake or went running .
Ivar taught Radka how to rope-climb in the trees .
It was tough going at times , too .
The wind and rain often forced them inside and there was n't enough sun to replenish their solar-generated electricity .
On day two they ran out of cooking gas , and they were washing in near-freezing water @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Once the two-week confinement was over , they would return to El Chaltén and wait out the crisis - they could happily spend months hiking in the national park 's mountains .
The lack of gas , however , forced them to drive back towards Ushuaia , and when they picked up a phone signal again it became obvious the crisis was deepening .
National parks had closed .
They read increasingly desperate reports from fellow nomads on Facebook forums .
Moreover , they were `` really afraid '' they would get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the car during lockdown .
`` We did n't know how to explain where we 'd been for those two weeks , or where we were going , '' says Radka .
She messaged Silvia , the woman who had given her a ride in 2016 .
Could she vouch for them or provide an address ?
`` They were filming us and the car , asking where we had been , where we were going .
We tried to tell them we 'd been camping but we do n't speak good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understood , '' says Ivar .
`` We were so stressed we then took off in the wrong direction .
When we turned back we were met by two police cars with sirens . ''
`` They said they would escort us to our hostel in Ushuaia .
They did n't realise we did n't have one . ''
On the way Radka tried Silvia again , and luckily she responded .
Within the half-hour drive she had secured them a friend 's rental apartment , and they were escorted right to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of lockdown in the apartment followed .
It was much like those seen elsewhere , with trips to the supermarket or pharmacy allowed , and little else .
`` For the first few days we felt OK , binge-watching TV series , enjoying hot showers .
But we started to realise this was not going to be a situation for a couple of weeks , and that we really could n't afford to pay for accommodation for up to six months , because even if they then opened the borders , we 'd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quickly getting more and more tired and depressed , and I started having problems sleeping again , '' says Radka , tearfully .
`` When you are at home , I imagine you find things to keep yourself busy - clean or paint or bake , whatever .
But being in a foreign flat in a foreign country where you were not planning to stay , it 's maybe different , '' says Radka .
`` You ca n't focus on doing something new .
You spend your day researching every desperate possibility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were even looking at whether it was possible to sail across the ocean !
And when each one is a dead end it feels like such a waste of energy and motivation . ''
Ivar adds : `` It 's like waiting in a bus stop , when you do n't know exactly when you 're going to leave and it 's not the place you want to be . ''
But the decision to leave was n't straightforward .
It slowly crept up on them , says Ivar : `` It kind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's going to be boring to wait , to realising if we stay three of four more months our well-being might suffer . ''
When Radka received an SMS from the embassy to say there were repatriation flights from the capital , Buenos Aires , she felt an irresistible pull homewards .
`` I felt a bit like a failure when I started to consider going back .
We have friends who are staying .
It was like we were giving up .
But everybody 's situation is different . ''
Radka @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community of people who travel and live in vehicles for months or years at a time - sometimes permanently - and are known as `` overlanders '' or `` vanlifers '' .
Some work as they go along , or stop for a while to volunteer , others have already retired .
Ask them to # stayathome and , well , it can be a bit complicated .
Where ?
You might think that as they are equipped to live off-grid , they would be fine during lockdown .
In reality , their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move around , camp , and access services like water , power , gas and toilets .
With regional and national borders closed , most campsites shut and wild camping banned , `` outsiders '' being discouraged in many areas , and bureaucratic headaches over visas and complicated vehicle permits , thousands of travellers around the world are either trapped or having to abandon their homes on wheels and return `` home '' .
In some ways , Covid-19 has been like a game of musical chairs for overlanders , who have found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they happened to be when the music stopped .
Around 10,000km north of Ushuaia , in the Colombian city of Medellín , Berliners Anne and Martin are living in their VW Westfalia camper in the driveway of a hostel , where they can use the toilets and showers .
That would n't be allowed in many places under lockdown but they happened to be staying there while fixing some mechanical issues , when the crisis began .
The owners allowed them to stay and they decided to sit it out in their van @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a question of leaving the van behind , '' says Anne .
`` We also did n't really see the point of returning back to Europe as the number of infected people was much higher than here .
We do n't have a home , as we moved out of our apartment and sold all our belongings .
We could stay at our parents ' places but , in our mid-30s , it 's not really our goal .
`` The days are getting really long and repetitive .
We are safe and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We miss being on the road , '' she says .
Radka and Ivar missed it too , but they could n't see a light at the end of the tunnel .
Luckily , the airport in Ushuaia re-opened and they booked a flight to Buenos Aires .
The van and their gear would have to stay behind .
But with strict rules in most countries , including Argentina , about how long a foreign-plated car can remain there , they had just one day to work out the logistics and find a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through Silvia 's network they managed to secure written permission from a resident who would allow the van to be parked at his house , and a letter from the customs authorities enabling them to leave it behind until the crisis is over .
`` It was a stressful day .
We really hope that everything is OK with the papers , '' says Ivar .
`` It 's incredible how it worked out , although when we parked the van and left it there I was nervous about handing the keys over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There 's a part of us that 's afraid we wo n't see the van again .
Maybe we 'll show up and they 'll be like , 'What car ?
! '
'' After they arrived in Buenos Aires , their repatriation flight was refused permission to fly .
Just before the next flight , a week later , they were told they had n't made the list .
For nearly three weeks the couple waited in a cheap hostel room in the city , feeling increasingly despondent .
They started @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out .
Finally , on 7 May , they boarded a Norwegian Air flight to Oslo , costing them €1,300 .
Back in Norway , they had to complete 10 days of quarantine , but were lucky to have access to a rural family cabin , where they sat it out in peace .
`` We have gone through all the emotions… but right now we 're just really happy to be back in Norway , '' says Ivar .
`` On a scale of one to 10 , the disappointment is 11 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ longer we stayed and the worse I felt , I said 'OK I admit it , I ca n't imagine spending another four months like this , so I 'm willing to spend some of our savings on going home to Norway where people have a bit more freedom . '
I was going crazy . ''
The self-confessed pessimist of the pair , she worries about whether they can gather the funds to return to Argentina and , if they do , whether tourists will still be welcomed under the `` new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like we have lost time .
If we start the trip again in , say , January , that was a time when we were supposed to be somewhere else [ in our life ] .
I have a hard time letting go . ''
A few months in Norway will give them some perspective , says Ivar .
`` We would have felt worse if it was something that we should have seen coming .
I think we did everything we could , and I am at peace with that .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with many other people .
I know we will continue the journey . ''
'Our car is in Tanzania : we could be fined €1,400' Many overlanders who have abandoned their vehicles are risking penalties , from fines to confiscation , for failing to drive their van out of the country by the time agreed when they entered .
When you drive into a country you usually temporarily import the vehicle for a fixed period , after which penalties begin to imposed .
Armin and Tanja , from Germany , were driving their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of a planned two-year trip through the Balkans , Africa and South America , when the pandemic struck .
Initially hoping to stick it out , they eventually decided to take one of the last repatriation flights out .
`` We found a place to store the car safely on private ground .
If we had n't have found that place we definitely would not have left our camper behind , '' says Armin .
Their carnet de passage - a type of vehicle permit that has a cash deposit related to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expire in June .
Attempts to arrange special dispensation with the customs authorities before they left were unsuccessful , and they have so far been unable to get hold of the right people in Tanzania to help them .
`` The penalty for an expired carnet in Tanzania would be €1,400 in our case , as it is 20 % of the carnet car value .
We are lucky that we have quite an old car but still we hope to get out of this without paying .
We will ask for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The delay has caused them to cut out the South America leg of their world trip , but they hope to return to Africa by September .
You may also be interested in : How a man met a woman and they set off on a journey across six continents in one amazing , unbreakable car .

Radka and Ivar missed it too, but they couldn't see a light at the end of the tunnel. Luckily, the airport in Ushuaia re-opened and they booked a flight to Buenos Aires. The van and their gear would have to stay behind. But with strict rules in most countries, including Argentina, about how long a foreign-plated car can remain there, they had just one day to work out the logistics and find a place to park it. Again, through Silvia's network they managed to secure written permission from a resident who would allow the van to be parked at his house, and a letter from the customs authorities enabling them to leave it behind until the crisis is over.


bbc--2020-05-24--What did UK PM's trusted aide do during lockdown?

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has given his full backing to his most senior adviser , Dominic Cummings , after he was accused of breaking lockdown rules .
Mr Johnson said Mr Cummings acted `` responsibly , legally and with integrity '' and that he acted `` with the overwhelming aim of stopping the spread of this virus '' .
What are the claims ?
We know the PM 's chief aide drove 260 miles from his London home to his parents ' estate in County Durham at the height of restrictions in March .
But allegations in the Observer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leave boss did not stay indoors while in Durham , and also , that he made another trip there after returning to London in April .
What are the key dates ?
• 23 March : The prime minister tells the UK public they `` must stay at home '' .
People are warned not to meet friends or family members they do not live with .
Those with symptoms had already been told to self-isolate • 27 March : Mr Cummings is seen leaving No 10 Downing Street • 30 March : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with coronavirus symptoms • 31 March : Police in Durham are `` made aware of reports that an individual had travelled from London to Durham and was present at an address in the city '' .
Officers `` made contact with the owners of that address '' .
It is understood Mr Cummings travelled there between 27 and 31 March • 12 April : Mr Cummings visited Barnard Castle , 30 miles from his parents ' home in Durham , according to The Observer and Mirror newspapers .
On Sunday , the prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behaved responsibly and legally either side of his 14-day self-isolation in Durham • 14 April : Mr Cummings was photographed at Downing Street for the first time since 27 March • 19 April : Five days after being in London , Mr Cummings was seen again in Durham by an unnamed witness , The Observer and Mirror reported on Sunday .
Downing Street says this is `` false '' What has Mr Cummings said ?
Speaking to reporters outside his home in London on Saturday morning , he said he had done the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his wife and young son to be near relatives when she developed Covid-19 symptoms at the end of March .
When asked whether his trip to Durham `` looked good '' , he said : `` Who cares about good looks ?
It 's a question of doing the right thing .
It 's not about what you guys think . ''
Asked whether he would reconsider his position , he said : `` Obviously not . ''
• What are the social distancing and self-isolation rules ?
What has Boris Johnson said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Street briefing on Sunday that he had held `` extensive '' face-to-face talks with Mr Cummings to discuss the situation .
`` I 've concluded that in travelling to find the right kind of childcare at the moment when he and his wife were about to be incapacitated by coronavirus - and when he had no alternative - I think he followed the instincts of every father and every parent , and I do not mark him down for that , '' the PM said .
He added : `` I believe that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and legally and with integrity and with the overwhelming aim of stopping the spread of this virus and saving lives . ''
How has No 10 responded ?
Downing Street issued an initial statement about the Durham trip , saying Mr Cummings made the journey fearing both he and his wife would be unable to properly care for their four-year-old son .
`` His sister and nieces had volunteered to help so he went to a house near to but separate from his extended family in case their help was needed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ left everything outside , '' the statement said .
Downing Street said no member of Mr Cummings ' family was spoken to by police , although Durham Constabulary later said officers had spoken to his father by phone .
A further No 10 statement addressing allegations in the Sunday papers about a second visit to the North East was issued on Saturday night .
`` Yesterday the Mirror and Guardian wrote inaccurate stories about Mr Cummings , '' it said .
`` Today they are writing more inaccurate stories including claims that Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work in Downing Street on 14 April .
We will not waste our time answering a stream of false allegations about Mr Cummings from campaigning newspapers . ''
What are others saying ?
Daily Mirror political editor Pippa Crerar told the BBC on Sunday the paper stood by its reporting .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer called for a Cabinet Office inquiry and said : `` It is an insult to sacrifices made by the British people that Boris Johnson has chosen to take no action against Dominic Cummings . ''
Scotland 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Cummings should step down in a similar way to Scottish chief medical officer Catherine Calderwood , who resigned after visiting her second home .
Lib Dem acting leader Sir Ed Davey said the PM 's judgment would be called into question if he did not sack Mr Cummings .
• RISK AT WORK : How exposed is your job ?
• SCHOOLS : When will children be returning ?
• EXERCISE : What are the guidelines on getting out ?
• LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cummings should step down .
Backbench Tory MP Steve Baker called for the senior adviser to resign : `` The country ca n't afford this nonsense , this pantomime , Dominic should go and we should move on and deal with things that matter in people 's lives . ''
• MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK : The shows shining a light on our emotional state • CORONAVIRUS SPECIAL : “ Science has never moved so quickly ”

3 April: After being taken to hospital, Mr Cummings' son woke up the next day having recovered. He was tested for coronavirus and his mother, who was with him at the hospital, was told "they should return home" (the test result arrived days later and was negative). According to Mr Cummings, there were no taxis so he "drove to the hospital, picked him up and returned home". He said he "did not leave the car or have any contact with anybody on this short trip". But according to his wife's later article in the Spectator Mr Cummings had a high fever and muscle spasms in his legs throughout this period.


bbc--2020-05-24--Bundesliga: Timo Werner scores three as Leipzig thrash Mainz

Timo Werner scored his first goals since the Bundesliga returned from a two-month break amid the coronavirus pandemic as RB Leipzig thumped Mainz .
The 24-year-old Germany striker took his tally for the season to 30 with a superb hat-trick as his side won 5-0 to move third in the table .
Elsewhere on Sunday , pressure is mounting on Schalke boss David Wagner after his side lost 3-0 to Augsburg .
Schalke are now winless in nine games , and have scored only twice in that run .
And struggling Fortuna Dusseldorf were denied a vital win as Cologne @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minutes left to draw 2-2 .
Uwe Rosler 's Fortuna side have still only lost one of their past eight games , but remain third bottom in the relegation play-off place , three points adrift of safety .
Werner scored three goals and made three assists when Leipzig beat Mainz 8-0 in November to record their biggest ever Bundesliga win , and they again found him in devastating form .
He had come into the game , played behind closed doors , in the middle of something of a drought by his standards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goal in his previous eight league games .
But it took Werner only 11 minutes to find the target , breaking the deadlock with a cool near-post finish from Konrad Laimer 's low cross .
Yussuf Poulsen and Marcel Sabitzer added further goals against a hapless Mainz side before Werner made it 4-0 from close range , and he completed his hat-trick with an expertly-taken lob late on .
While Leipzig 's win means they are back in the Champions League places , Schalke 's slide down the table continued after an error-strewn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the winter break with a 2-0 win over Borussia Monchengladbach on 17 January , the Royal Blues were fourth , four points off the top of the table .
Since then , they have drawn four and lost five of their past nine Bundesliga matches and are down in eighth , 24 points behind Bayern Munich at the summit and 16 points behind Bayer Leverkusen in fourth .

Last updated on .From the section European Football
Timo Werner scored his first goals since the Bundesliga returned from a two-month break amid the coronavirus pandemic as RB Leipzig thumped Mainz.
The 24-year-old Germany striker took his tally for the season to 30 with a superb hat-trick as his side won 5-0 to move third in the table.
Elsewhere on Sunday, pressure is mounting on Schalke boss David Wagner after his side lost 3-0 to Augsburg.
Schalke are now winless in nine games, and have scored only twice in that run.
And struggling Fortuna Dusseldorf were denied a vital win as Cologne came back from 2-0 down with three minutes left to draw 2-2.
Uwe Rosler's Fortuna side have still only lost one of their past eight games, but remain third bottom in the relegation play-off place, three points adrift of safety.
Werner punishes Mainz again
Werner scored three goals and made three assists when Leipzig beat Mainz 8-0 in November to record their biggest ever Bundesliga win, and they again found him in devastating form.
He had come into the game, played behind closed doors, in the middle of something of a drought by his standards, after a run of only one goal in his previous eight league games.
But it took Werner only 11 minutes to find the target, breaking the deadlock with a cool near-post finish from Konrad Laimer's low cross.
Yussuf Poulsen and Marcel Sabitzer added further goals against a hapless Mainz side before Werner made it 4-0 from close range, and he completed his hat-trick with an expertly-taken lob late on.
Schalke's struggles continue
While Leipzig's win means they are back in the Champions League places, Schalke's slide down the table continued after an error-strewn display.
When they resumed their season after the winter break with a 2-0 win over Borussia Monchengladbach on 17 January, the Royal Blues were fourth, four points off the top of the table.
Since then, they have drawn four and lost five of their past nine Bundesliga matches and are down in eighth, 24 points behind Bayern Munich at the summit and 16 points behind Bayer Leverkusen in fourth.


bbc--2020-05-24--Formula E driver Abt caught using ringer in esports race

Last updated on .From the section Motorsport Formula E driver Daniel Abt was disqualified and ordered to pay £8,900 to @ @ @ @ @ gamer to compete under his name in an official esports race .
Lorenz Horzing , @ @ @ @ @ finished third in Saturday 's race behind Britain 's Oliver Rowland and Belgian ex-F1 driver @ @ @ @ @ did not take it as seriously as I should have , '' he said .
@ @ @ @ @ about this because I know how much work has gone into this project on the @ @ @ @ @ organisation .
I am aware that my offence has a bitter aftertaste but it was @ @ @ @ @ intention . ''
Vandoorne suspected Abt was not driving and French racer Jean-Eric Vergne asked @ @ @ @ @ video on in the next race so they could confirm it was him .

Daniel Abt drives for Audi in Formula E
Formula E driver Daniel Abt was disqualified and ordered to pay £8,900 to charity for getting a professional gamer to compete under his name in an official esports race.
Organisers also took away all points won to date by the 27-year-old German in the Race at Home Challenge series.
Lorenz Horzing, who competed for Abt, finished third in Saturday's race behind Britain's Oliver Rowland and Belgian ex-F1 driver Stoffel Vandoorne.
Abt later apologised.
"I did not take it as seriously as I should have," he said.
"I am especially sorry about this because I know how much work has gone into this project on the part of the Formula E organisation. I am aware that my offence has a bitter aftertaste but it was never meant with any bad intention."
Vandoorne suspected Abt was not driving and French racer Jean-Eric Vergne asked the German to turn his video on in the next race so they could confirm it was him.


bbc--2020-05-24--It should be on now - so how well do you know the French Open?

Sharp terracotta clay courts , luscious backdrops of the Eiffel Tower , rows of pristine Parisians ... the French Open @ @ @ @ @ 's tournament , originally scheduled to run from 24 May to 7 June , has @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic .
Wish you were in Paris watching tennis ?
We hear you .
@ @ @ @ @ ( sort of ) and test your knowledge of Roland Garros ... • Alerts : @ @ @ @ @ your phone

Last updated on .From the section Tennis
Sharp terracotta clay courts and luscious backdrops of the Eiffel Tower... the French Open is unmistakeable.
This year's tournament runs from 27 September until 11 October after being postponed earlier in the year because of the coronavirus pandemic.
To get you in the mood for what is now the final Grand Slam of the year, let us test your knowledge of Roland Garros...


bbc--2020-05-24--Arsenal set to begin Coutinho talks - Monday's gossip

Arsenal are to begin talks with Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho 's agent .
The Brazilian 27-year-old has spent the season on loan at Bayern Munich but the Bundesliga champions will not pay the £105m required to make the deal permanent .
( Le10sport - in French ) Paris St-Germain are negotiating an agreement with Arsenal in an attempt to sign forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang , 30 , for £34m .
( Todofichajes ) Juventus striker Gonzalo Higuain , 32 , could return to the Premier League after a disappointing loan spell with Chelsea - Newcastle and Wolves are both interested .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Werner , 24 , has been heavily linked with Liverpool but former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has suggested Old Trafford could be a better move .
( Star ) Wolves striker Raul Jimenez , 29 and valued at £57m , is being monitored by Manchester United , Arsenal and Real Madrid .
( Tuttosport - in Italian ) Bournemouth striker Joshua King , 28 , is a target for four of the current top six clubs in the Premier League after Manchester United 's £20m deadline-day bid was turned down in January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beat Real Madrid to Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Braut Haaland , 19 , in a £67m move .
( Tuttosport - in Italian ) Barcelona are willing to offload France forward Ousmane Dembele , 23 , for just £37m .
The Spanish club paid £137m for the Frenchman three years ago but he has only started five times after a string of injuries .
( Mirror ) Winger Adama Traore , 24 , has been advised to ignore Liverpool 's interest and stay at Wolves for another season by former Sheffield United midfielder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and FC Schalke winger Rabbi Matondo , 19 , says he is fully focused on the German club amid interest from Manchester United .
( Manchester Evening News )

Last updated on .From the section Gossip
Arsenal are to begin talks with Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho's agent. The Brazilian 27-year-old has spent the season on loan at Bayern Munich but the Bundesliga champions will not pay the £105m required to make the deal permanent. (Le10sport - in French) external-link
Rafael Benitez wants to return to manage Newcastle United once the proposed Saudi Arabia-backed takeover is complete and would like to sign Manchester City centre-back John Stones, 25, and Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley, 26. (Telegraph - subscription required) external-link
Paris St-Germain are negotiating an agreement with Arsenal in an attempt to sign forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, 30, for £34m. (Todofichajes) external-link
Juventus striker Gonzalo Higuain, 32, could return to the Premier League after a disappointing loan spell with Chelsea - Newcastle and Wolves are both interested. (Express) external-link
RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner, 24, has been heavily linked with Liverpool but former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has suggested Old Trafford could be a better move. (Star) external-link
Wolves striker Raul Jimenez, 29 and valued at £57m, is being monitored by Manchester United, Arsenal and Real Madrid. (Tuttosport - in Italian) external-link
The FA Cup's 50 greatest moments Read, watch and see if you agree with our list...
Bournemouth striker Joshua King, 28, is a target for four of the current top six clubs in the Premier League after Manchester United's £20m deadline-day bid was turned down in January. (Mirror) external-link
Burnley goalkeeper Joe Hart, 33, is out of contract this summer and feels he will have to move abroad to get first-team football. (Guardian) external-link
Manchester United's hopes of extending striker Odion Ighalo's loan deal look to be over after Shanghai Shenhua demanded the 30-year-old return for the start of the delayed Chinese Super League season next month. (Mail) external-link
Barcelona will prioritise signing Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez, 22, and Juventus midfielder Miralem Pjanic, 30, this summer but if those deals are not possible they could move for former forward Neymar, 28, from PSG. (Marca) external-link
Juventus want to beat Real Madrid to Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Braut Haaland, 19, in a £67m move. (Tuttosport - in Italian) external-link
Winger Adama Traore, 24, has been advised to ignore Liverpool's interest and stay at Wolves for another season by former Sheffield United midfielder Michael Brown. (Star) external-link
Barcelona are willing to offload France forward Ousmane Dembele, 23, for just £37m. The Spanish club paid £137m for the Frenchman three years ago but he has only started five times after a string of injuries. (Mirror) external-link
Wales and FC Schalke winger Rabbi Matondo, 19, says he is fully focused on the German club amid interest from Manchester United. (Manchester Evening News) external-link
Barcelona have offered Manchester City Nelson Semedo, 26, as part of a swap deal for fellow Portugal right-back Joao Cancelo, 25, but City are not interested. (Marca) external-link


bbc--2020-05-24--Hull City confirm two coronavirus cases

Hull City confirm two coronavirus cases

Championship side Hull City have confirmed two people at the club have tested positive for coronavirus .
The English Football League earlier said there were two positive cases out of more than 1,000 players and staff tested at the 24 second-tier clubs .
In a statement , Hull said the pair were asymptomatic and feeling no ill effects , but would self-isolate for seven days in line with EFL guidelines .
They will both be tested again at a later date .
The Tigers did not confirm whether the positive tests were from players or staff .
It comes after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the EFL twice to say the season should be voided .
With Championship clubs set to return to training on Monday , a total of 1,014 tests were undertaken on players and staff over the past 72 hours , with all but the two at the Tigers coming back negative .
Those who had returned negative tests would be allowed to enter training grounds , but prior to going in , everyone must complete a screening protocol to detect any symptoms in a manner devised by the club doctor .
In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of two new coronavirus cases discovered by the latest round of top-flight tests - taking the overall total of positive results to eight .
The tests , which are being funded by the clubs and will not affect NHS testing , are not 100 % accurate but meet government and NHS standards .
The Championship , which has been suspended since 13 March , is hoping to restart the season at some point in June .
Meanwhile , no testing programme is in place for League One and League Two clubs .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ fourth tier `` unanimously indicated '' they wanted to bring their season to an early conclusion , although talks between sides in League One stalled after they failed to agree on a resolution .

Last updated on .From the section Championship
Hull City said the two people who tested positive would self-isolate for seven days
Championship side Hull City have confirmed two people at the club have tested positive for coronavirus.
The English Football League earlier said there were two positive cases out of more than 1,000 players and staff tested at the 24 second-tier clubs.
In a statement, Hull said the pair were asymptomatic and feeling no ill effects, but would self-isolate for seven days in line with EFL guidelines.
They will both be tested again at a later date.
The Tigers did not confirm whether the positive tests were from players or staff.
It comes after reports external-link that Hull vice-chairman Ehab Allam wrote to the EFL twice to say the season should be voided.
With Championship clubs set to return to training on Monday, a total of 1,014 tests were undertaken on players and staff over the past 72 hours, with all but the two at the Tigers coming back negative.
Those who had returned negative tests would be allowed to enter training grounds, but prior to going in, everyone must complete a screening protocol to detect any symptoms in a manner devised by the club doctor.
In the Premier League an unnamed Bournemouth player was one of two new coronavirus cases discovered by the latest round of top-flight tests - taking the overall total of positive results to eight.
The tests, which are being funded by the clubs and will not affect NHS testing, are not 100% accurate but meet government and NHS standards.
The Championship, which has been suspended since 13 March, is hoping to restart the season at some point in June.
Meanwhile, no testing programme is in place for League One and League Two clubs.
On 15 May, teams in the fourth tier "unanimously indicated" they wanted to bring their season to an early conclusion, although talks between sides in League One stalled after they failed to agree on a resolution.


bbc--2020-05-25--Coronavirus: Americans flock to beaches on Memorial Day weekend

Americans have flocked to beaches and lakes for Memorial Day weekend , often flouting restrictions imposed to tackle the coronavirus outbreak .
In Florida , state police dispersed an unauthorised gathering of hundreds of people in Daytona Beach on Saturday .
In Missouri , bars at the Lake of the Ozarks were packed with revellers , who violated social-distancing rules .
US coronavirus task force chief Dr Deborah Birx said she was `` very concerned '' after seeing such scenes .
`` We really want to be clear all the time that social distancing is absolutely critical .
And if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're outside , you must wear a mask , '' Dr Birx said on ABC 's This Week on Sunday .
• All 50 US states move toward reopening • US suspends travel from Brazil for foreigners • 'Like 9/11 every day ' : A New York paramedic 's diary Lyda Krewson , the mayor of St Louis , Missouri , said : `` It 's irresponsible and dangerous to engage in such high risk behaviour just to have some fun over the extended holiday weekend .
`` Now , these folks will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counties across Missouri and the Midwest , raising concerns about the potential of more positive cases , hospitalisations , and tragically , deaths .
Deeply disturbing . ''
In Florida 's Tampa area , the crowds were so big that authorities closed parking lots because they were full , the Associated Press reports .
In California , big crowds were seen enjoying beaches over the weekend .
State officials said most people were covering their faces and keeping their distance on beaches and parks .
Memorial Day - an annual holiday held on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all those who have died serving in the US military .
It marks the unofficial start of summer .
The US has more coronavirus cases than anywhere in the world .
It has over 1.6 million known infection and is nearing 100,000 deaths linked to the virus .
All 50 US states have now partially reopened after a two-month shutdown .
However , remaining restrictions vary across the country .
Wide discrepancies also remain between states in terms of infection rates and the pace of their economic restart .
Some of the hardest-hit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jersey and Washington state are now showing the sharpest declines , while majority of states have reached plateaus .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• ON FRONTLINE : The young doctors being asked to play god • REASON TO HOPE : The good that may come out of this crisis • AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise

"We really want to be clear all the time that social distancing is absolutely critical. And if you can't social distance and you're outside, you must wear a mask," Dr Birx said on ABC's This Week on Sunday.


bbc--2020-05-25--Plans to lift UK lockdown overshadowed by aide row

The PM 's decision to back his chief aide 's lockdown trip to Durham has sparked fears that the government 's coronavirus message will be undermined .
Some Tory backbenchers have called for Dominic Cummings to resign to ensure public confidence in future measures .
The row comes as plans to further ease lockdown restrictions will be discussed at a cabinet meeting later .
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has said Mr Cummings `` at no stage broke the law or broke the rules '' .
Speaking on BBC Radio 4 's Today programme , Mr Williamson said that everyone , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country or working in No 10 '' , was expected to abide by the law .
`` That 's what the prime minister expects , that 's the assurance that he asked for , that is the assurance that he got . ''
• What do we know about Cummings ' lockdown trip ?
• Caring for children - what are the lockdown rules ?
Criticism of Boris Johnson 's decision to take no action over Mr Cummings ' 260-mile trip to his parents ' home has come from all quarters .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Cummings to resign or be sacked , while others have joined Labour in calling for an inquiry .
Scotland 's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon warned the consequences of Mr Johnson 's decision could be `` serious '' , and acting Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said it undermined the prime minister 's authority on the coronavirus crisis .
Senior Church of England bishops and scientists advising ministers on the pandemic have also strongly criticised the government 's handling of the row .
Mr Johnson has defended Mr Cummings , saying he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alternative '' but to make the journey from London at the end of March for childcare `` when both he and his wife were about to be incapacitated by coronavirus '' .
Durham 's police chief , Steve White , has asked the force to `` establish the facts concerning any potential breach of the law '' surrounding Mr Cummings ' visit to the county .
The prime minister is this week expected to set out details of plans to ease restrictions , which will reportedly include information about the reopening of some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's daily briefing , the prime minister confirmed the phased reopening of England 's primary schools will begin on 1 June .
If Boris Johnson 's decision to appear at Sunday 's press conference was an attempt to close down the story about Dominic Cummings ' behaviour during the lockdown by handling it himself , it failed completely .
It certainly was not an attempt to give the public the full information .
Instead , the prime minister refused to answer the questions that remain about the specifics of his adviser 's visit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of England while his team was telling the public again and again and again that they had to `` stay at home '' .
Conservative backbencher David Warburton , MP for Somerton and Frome , said Mr Cummings was `` damaging the government and the country that he 's supposed to be serving '' .
Speaking on BBC Breakfast , Mr Warburton said : `` We 've not been offered the chance to interpret the rules , that 's really not how it works otherwise there would be complete chaos . ''
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had died alone as a result of the coronavirus lockdown , said `` people have made sacrifices '' and `` in those sacrifices there really has n't been the choice to use instinct '' .
He added : `` We 've been tasked with following regulations laid down by the government . ''
Another Tory MP , Jason McCartney , said in a Facebook post that while it was important for people to show compassion during the crisis , Mr Cummings had to go because the `` perceived hypocrisy of the rule makers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures '' under a second wave of coronavirus .
Theresa Villiers , a Tory MP and former cabinet minister , said she understood the row makes Mr Cummings ' position `` difficult '' , but she said : `` I hope that he is able to stay because he 's a highly effective adviser to the prime minister . ''
There were also calls for an investigation into Mr Cummings ' actions from Conservative MPs Rob Roberts and Peter Gibson , while Tory MP Lee Anderson suggested a decision on whether or not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job should be made once the full facts are clear .
Meanwhile , some of the scientists that advise ministers were concerned the prime minister 's decision to back Mr Cummings would undermine the message on controlling the virus , with one warning that `` more people are going to die '' .
Stephen Reicher , a professor of social psychology who has advised the government on behavioural science during the pandemic , said the prime minister 's backing of Mr Cummings made him feel `` dismay '' .
He said trust was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` You ca n't have trust if people have a sense of them and us , '' he told the BBC .
Speaking on ITV 's Good Morning Britain , Prof Reicher - a member of the scientific pandemic influenza group on behaviours ( SPI-B ) - said research showed that the reason people observed lockdown was not for themselves but for the community .
`` If you give the impression there 's one rule for them and one rule for us you fatally undermine that sense of 'we 're all in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the forms of behaviour which have got us through this crisis , '' he said .
`` The real issue here is that because of these actions , because of undermining trust in the government , because of undermining adherence to the rules that we all need to follow , people are going to die . ''
Two other members of SPI-B , which feeds into the Sage scientific advisory group , have backed Prof Reicher 's comments - University College of London professors Robert West and Susan Michie .
It comes as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reverend Vivienne Faull , has accused the prime minister of having `` no respect for people '' , while the Bishop of Leeds , the Right Reverend Nick Baines , said Mr Johnson was treating people `` as mugs '' .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• RISK AT WORK : How exposed is your job ?
• RECOVERY : How long does it take to get better ?
• More than 260,000 people have signed a petition calling for Dominic Cummings to be sacked since it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been launched into a now-deleted tweet posted on the official UK Civil Service Twitter account , which asked `` Can you imagine having to work with these truth twisters ? ''
• And the leader of the Liberal Democrats on Durham County Council tweeted that `` a number of local residents have reported seeing Dominic Cummings on several occasions in April and May '' and that she has referred the matter to Durham Police Labour 's shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth criticised the government in a series of tweets , saying that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their behaviour to protect us all '' .
`` How can Matt Hancock expect adherence to social distancing requirements while endorsing breaches like this , '' he said .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has said he would have sacked Mr Cummings if he were prime minister .
Earlier , Ms Sturgeon told BBC Breakfast that the prime minister was `` putting his political interest ahead of the public interest '' .
`` When trust in a public health message and public health advice is as important as it is right now the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scotland 's First Minister said .
Former chief constable of Durham Police , Mark Barton , said the prime minister 's decision has `` now made it exponentially tougher for all those on the frontline enforcing the lockdown '' .
The prime minister said he held `` extensive '' discussions on Sunday with Mr Cummings , who he said `` followed the instincts of every father and every parent - and I do not mark him down for that '' .
The Observer and Sunday Mirror reported two further allegations of lockdown breaches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called `` some '' of the claims `` palpably false '' .
One report alleges that a witness saw Mr Cummings in Barnard Castle , more than 25 miles from Durham , where he had been self-isolating , on 12 April .
Ministers to publicly support Mr Cummings include the Health Secretary Matt Hancock and Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove .
• COVID-19 COLLECTION : Calming tracks to get you through lockdown • BANK HOLIDAY ESCAPE : The show everyone is watching ... Has the lockdown stopped you from travelling or not ?
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"If you give the impression there's one rule for them and one rule for us you fatally undermine that sense of 'we're all in this together' and you undermine adherence to the forms of behaviour which have got us through this crisis," he said.


bbc--2020-05-25--New Zealand's PM stayed calm during an earthquake on live TV

New Zealand 's PM stayed calm during an earthquake on live TV on Monday morning .
She interrupted AM Show @ @ @ @ @ him there was an earthquake happening , looking briefly troubled , before smiling and carrying @ @ @ @ @ The 5.6-magnitude earthquake struck about 90km north of the capital , Wellington , at 08:00 @ @ @ @ @ Sunday ) .
It was felt across the country , but there were no reports @ @ @ @ @

New Zealand's PM stayed calm during an earthquake on live TV on Monday morning.
She interrupted AM Show presenter Ryan Bridge to tell him there was an earthquake happening, looking briefly troubled, before smiling and carrying on with the interview.
The 5.6-magnitude earthquake struck about 90km north of the capital, Wellington, at 08:00 local time (20:00 GMT Sunday). It was felt across the country, but there were no reports of damage or injuries.


bbc--2020-05-25--Brian May says he was 'very near death' after a heart attack

Queen guitarist Brian May has revealed he `` could have died '' after being rushed to hospital following a heart attack .
The 72-year-old said he was `` shocked '' to discover he needed surgery after what he described as a `` small '' heart attack earlier this month .
The star 's heart scare came a few days after a separate medical issue , when he thought he had ripped his glutes during a gardening accident .
He explained his latest health problem in a video posted to Instagram .
`` I thought I was a very healthy guy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I turned out to have three arteries that were congested and in danger of blocking the supply of blood to my heart . ''
May was subsequently fitted with three stents - tiny tubes that can hold open blocked arteries - and says he is back in full health .
`` I walked out with a heart that 's very strong now , so I think I 'm in good shape for some time to come . ''
The star made headlines earlier this month when he posted that he had torn a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gardening accident .
The injury left him in `` relentless pain , '' which he later discovered was due to another injury .
`` I told you I had a ripped muscle , '' he said in the seven-minute video he posted titled `` Sheer Heart Attack '' - a reference to the title of Queen 's third album , released in 1974 .
• Brian May on 40 years of Bohemian Rhapsody : ' I still listen to it in the car' '' That was the way I was diagnosed and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accident .
`` I did n't realise that was amusing , really .
I kind of forgot anything to do with the bum people find amusing ... but anyway , it turned out to be not really the case .
`` Now a week later I 'm still in agony .
I mean real agony .
I wanted to jump at some points .
I could not believe the pain .
And people were saying , 'That 's not like a ripped muscle , you do n't get that amount of pain , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
'But this time I had one of the lower spine and , sure enough , what did we discover but I had a compressed sciatic nerve , quite severely compressed , and that 's why I had the feeling that someone was putting a screwdriver in my back the whole time .
It was excruciating .
`` So finally we started treating the thing for what it was .
I 'd been putting the ice packs in the wrong place for about 10 days .
'That 's one side of the story @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now ...
But the rest of the story is a little more bizarre and a bit more shocking .
`` I thought I was a very healthy guy .
Everyone says , 'You 've got a great blood pressure , you 've got a great heart rate ' .
And I keep fit , I bike , good diet , not too much fat .
`` Anyway , I had - in the middle of the whole saga of the painful backside - I had a small heart attack .
`` It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It was about 40 minutes of pain in the chest and tightness , and that feeling in the arms and sweating . ''
Having realised he was having a heart attack , he called his doctor , who drove him to hospital for tests that exposed his underlying health problems .
Given the choice between open heart surgery and having stents fitted , the musician chose the latter , and said the operation was remarkably straightforward .
The star added that his experience should be a lesson to other people in their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seems to be a very healthy heart may not be , and I would get it checked if I were you , '' he said .
`` I was actually very near death [ but ] I did n't die .
I came out and I would have been full of beans if it had n't been for the leg . ''
May 's health scare came shortly after Queen released a new version of We Are The Champions to raise money for the World Health Organization 's Covid-19 fund .
The single @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a tribute to medical staff , and was recorded under lockdown .
Follow us on Facebook , or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

'But this time I had one of the lower spine and, sure enough, what did we discover but I had a compressed sciatic nerve, quite severely compressed, and that's why I had the feeling that someone was putting a screwdriver in my back the whole time. It was excruciating.


bbc--2020-05-25--Hong Kong 'needs security law to tackle terrorism'

Hong Kong needs a controversial new security law to tackle `` growing terrorism '' , the territory 's security chief has said .
John Lee said the city had become `` shrouded in the shadow of violence '' .
After months of quiet , this weekend saw a fresh surge of protest after the government in Beijing proposed a security law that would radically change Hong Kong 's unique status .
Opponents say it is a direct attempt to limit freedoms and silence critics .
Taiwan 's President Tsai Ing-wen has offered her support to Hong Kong residents , warning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , bullets and repression in the semi-autonomous territory .
Relations between China and Taiwan are already tense , because Beijing sees the island as a breakaway province , but many Taiwanese want a separate nation .
Meanwhile , the UK home secretary is being urged to review the status of the more than 300,000 Hong Kong residents who hold British National ( overseas ) passports but have no right to live or work in the UK .
A British government spokesman said the best solution would be for China to respect fully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out in the Sino-British joint declaration , agreed in 1997 when control of Hong Kong was handed from the UK to Beijing .
The bill was put forward on Thursday as China 's parliament , the National People 's Congress ( NPC ) , met for its delayed annual gathering .
China 's foreign minister , Wang Yi , said the legislation - which would ban `` treason , secession , sedition and subversion '' - should be brought in `` without the slightest delay '' .
On Sunday , thousands of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city centre to protest against the bill .
Riot police fired tear gas and water cannon at demonstrators , who were wearing face masks to protect against the spread of coronavirus .
There were at least 180 arrests .
In a statement on Monday , Mr Lee said that in the past year , `` the violence in Hong Kong has been escalating , with many cases involving explosives and genuine firearms '' .
`` Terrorism is growing in the city and activities which harm national security , such as 'Hong Kong independence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • China 's new law : Why is Hong Kong worried ?
• The background you need on Hong Kong 's protests He said the clashes on Sunday showed `` the need and urgency of the decision to be deliberated by the NPC '' and that the law would ensure Hong Kong 's `` long-term prosperity and stability '' .
Commissioner of Police Chris Tang also welcomed the bill , saying weapons and explosives seized from protesters showed Hong Kong was `` at the risk point of national security and there is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the situation from deteriorating '' .
What is in China 's proposed law ?
Under Hong Kong 's Basic Law - the mini constitution in place since it went back under Chinese rule in 1997 - it largely has responsibility for its own internal affairs and security .
But the `` draft decision '' - as it is known before approval by the NPC - includes an article that says Hong Kong `` must improve '' national security .
It adds : `` When needed , relevant national security organs of the Central @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Hong Kong to fulfil relevant duties to safeguard national security in accordance with the law . ''
That means China could potentially have its own law enforcement agencies in Hong Kong , alongside the city 's own .
A group of 200 senior politicians from around the world have issued a joint statement criticising China 's plan .
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also condemned the plans , describing them as a `` death knell '' for the city 's freedoms .
The UK , Australia and Canada have also expressed @ @ @ @ @ @

A British government spokesman said the best solution would be for China to respect fully the rights and freedoms that were set out in the Sino-British joint declaration, agreed in 1997 when control of Hong Kong was handed from the UK to Beijing.


bbc--2020-05-25--Volkswagen loses landmark German 'dieselgate' case

Germany 's highest civil court has ruled that Volkswagen must pay compensation to a motorist who had bought one of its diesel minivans fitted with emissions-cheating software .
The ruling sets a benchmark for about 60,000 other cases in Germany .
The plaintiff , Herbert Gilbert , will be partially reimbursed for his vehicle , with depreciation taken into account .
It has paid out more than €30bn in fines , compensation and buyback schemes worldwide since the scandal first broke in 2015 .
VW disclosed at the time that it had used illegal software to manipulate the results of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that about 11 million cars were fitted with the `` defeat device '' , which alerted diesel engines when they were being tested .
The engine would then change its performance in order to improve the result of the test .
Volkswagen has faced a flurry of legal action worldwide , including the UK .
About 90,000 motorists in England and Wales have brought action against VW as well as Audi , Seat and Skoda , which are also owned by Volkswagen Group .
Last month , their case cleared its first hurdle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ judge ruled that the software installed in the cars was indeed a `` defeat device '' under EU rules .
The carmaker 's current and former senior employees are facing criminal charges in Germany .

It said that about 11 million cars were fitted with the "defeat device", which alerted diesel engines when they were being tested. The engine would then change its performance in order to improve the result of the test.


bbc--2020-05-25--India coronavirus: Chaos at airports as domestic flights resume

Long queues and chaos greeted passengers at Indian airports as flights resumed two months after they were halted to help stop the spread of coronavirus .
Local media said almost 100 flights were cancelled , but many more took off .
Maharashtra state , which has India 's highest number of Covid-19 cases , said it would only allow only 50 flights a day , leading to several cancellations .
Angry passengers say they were not informed ahead of time .
`` Our flight was cancelled and there is no-one to answer us at the help desk .
We do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' a passenger in the southern city of Chennai told the ANI news agency .
• New rules for flyers as India looks to start domestic flights He says he and his family have been in the city since 15 March , and finally booked tickets to fly back to their home in Mumbai , the capital of Maharashtra state .
They only found out about the cancellation after arriving at the airport , the passenger said .
Several fliers also took to Twitter to complain that Air India , the national carrier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and had mixed up departure schedules .
Others say they only learned of cancellations after already waiting hours in long queues to enter the airport .
India has stepped up preventive measures ahead of resuming domestic flights .
Security officers are checking each passenger 's temperature and verifying that they have downloaded the government 's Covid-19 tracking app , Aarogya Setu .
Other measures include disinfecting shoes and luggage .
India has recorded more than 138,000 cases of Covid-19 so far .
But the country has also begun easing restrictions on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which saw passenger trains and flights suspended , and most businesses being asked to close or operate only with staff working from home .
Only those that were classified as essential - healthcare , food supply , government services and media - were allowed to run during the lockdown .
But now , many of these restrictions have been lifted in areas that are not deemed hotspots .

He says he and his family have been in the city since 15 March, and finally booked tickets to fly back to their home in Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra state. They only found out about the cancellation after arriving at the airport, the passenger said.


bbc--2020-05-25--Celeste Barber: Australian court rules bushfire donations cannot be split

Millions of dollars donated to a global fundraiser for Australia 's bushfires can only be used by one state fire service , a court has ruled .
Earlier this year , Australian comedian Celeste Barber raised A $ 51 ( £27m ; $ 33m ) in a Facebook appeal during the nation 's catastrophic bushfire season .
Many donors hoped money would go to victims , charities and animal groups .
Because the appeal was directed towards a state fire agency , the funds can not be legally divided , a judge ruled .
This was despite the recipient - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( NSW RFS ) - intending to split the money in line with Ms Barber and donors ' directions , the Supreme Court of New South Wales said on Monday .
Ms Barber launched the fundraiser in January after her family was affected by the fires , which scorched land across the nation .
It went viral after it was shared by celebrities like Natalie Portman and Lizzo , raising A $ 20m within 48 hours .
Facebook said it was the platform 's largest appeal ever .
Monday 's court ruling highlights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , legal commentators noted .
Ms Barber 's fundraiser dwarfed the efforts of official bushfire appeals .
How did this happen ?
Many people pledging money had specified that they wanted their money going towards other causes , including fire services outside NSW .
The RFS is funded by government money but largely staffed by unpaid volunteers .
It is not the only service to operate in this way - volunteer firefighting is common in Australia .
During the crisis , reports of firefighters having to pay for their own protective equipment sparked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ RFS , which maintains a charitable trust .
Following confusion over how it would split Ms Barber 's huge fundraiser , the RFS sought the court 's advice .
In his ruling , judge Michael Slattery said : `` Some donors may have intended or hoped that the money they donated would be used for purposes beyond those which the Court has advised are permissible . ''
But he said that honouring those intentions would breach the law around how trusts operate .
The judge said the money could be used to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ killed battling the blazes .
However it could not be diverted towards other fire services , charities like the Australian Red Cross , animal welfare groups and other causes .
Massive blazes raged across every Australian state during the crisis , killing at least 33 people including 14 firefighters .
A royal commission inquiry into the natural disaster commenced on Monday , with testimonies from scientists who linked the extreme blazes to climate change .

In his ruling, judge Michael Slattery said: "Some donors may have intended or hoped that the money they donated would be used for purposes beyond those which the Court has advised are permissible."


bbc--2020-05-25--Western Australia storm: Ex-cyclone brings widespread damage to coast

An Australian fisherman says he was stunned to come across dozens of sharks feeding in shallow waters .

Heavy rainfall and destructive winds have caused widespread damage in Western Australia.
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Mangga collided with a cold front, resulting in what was described as a "once-in-a-decade" storm.


bbc--2020-05-25--India coronavirus: The girl who cycled 1,200km to save her father

Jyoti Kumari came to Gurugram - a suburb of the Indian capital Delhi - to take care of her father @ @ @ @ @ an accident .
He was recovering from his injuries when the lockdown started on 25 @ @ @ @ @ out of money to buy food and medicines .
There was no transport available for @ @ @ @ @ She then decided to take her father on a cycle on this incredibly tough journey @ @ @ @ @ global headlines and won hearts on social media .

Jyoti Kumari came to Gurugram - a suburb of the Indian capital Delhi - to take care of her father after he got injured in an accident.
He was recovering from his injuries when the lockdown started on 25 March. They soon ran out of money to buy food and medicines.
There was no transport available for them to go home. She then decided to take her father on a cycle on this incredibly tough journey.
They cycled and hitched rides in lorries on their 1,200km-long (745 mile) journey.
Her efforts have made global headlines and won hearts on social media.
Video by BBC Hindi


bbc--2020-05-25--Marie Cau: First transgender mayor elected in France

A trans woman in France has won election in her local commune to become the country 's first openly transgender mayor .
The council in Tilloy-lez-Marchiennes in northeastern France chose Marie Cau as its new mayor on Saturday .
The 55-year-old ran on a platform of ecological sustainability and building the local economy .
Speaking to the AFP news agency , Ms Cau said she was `` not an activist '' and wanted to focus on municipal politics .
`` People did not elect me because I was or was not transgender , they elected a programme , '' Ms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's interesting : when things become normal , you do n't get singled out . ''
`` Trans visibility , and the fight against transphobia , also depends on exercising political and public responsibilities .
Congratulations Marie Cau ! ''
• ' I was sacked and silenced for being trans' Residents of Tilloy-lez-Marchiennes - a commune of under 600 inhabitants on the Belgian border - voted in municipal elections in March .
They elected all the councillors from the `` Deciding Together '' list , among them Ms Cau .
On Saturday these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the new mayor of the town .
Stéphanie Nicot , co-founder of France 's National Transgender Association , said the election showed that `` our fellow citizens are more and more progressive '' , voting on `` the value of individuals , regardless of their gender identity '' .

They elected all the councillors from the "Deciding Together" list, among them Ms Cau. On Saturday these councillors voted nearly unanimously to make her the new mayor of the town.


bbc--2020-05-24--UK turns to delivery cream teas during lockdown

Online searches for cream teas and afternoon teas to be delivered have surged since the UK went into lockdown , search data has suggested .
Afternoon tea treats topped the list of most increased searches for `` delivery '' queries in the UK , analysis of data from Google Trends showed .
Other popular terms included TGI , Nando 's , takeaways and cakes , as people looked for a `` pick-me-up '' treat .
People have also been trying to make sure Royal Mail delivers on a Saturday .
Claire Dinwiddy , from Brewood in Staffordshire , had a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her 40th birthday after other celebrations had to be cancelled .
`` It was really nice .
We were meant to be away with all my family for a long weekend glamping , but obviously it 's all not going ahead so my friends did it to cheer me up , '' she said .
`` A cream tea is something I 've never had before as a birthday gift and it 's really lovely not having to make anything yourself .
`` It was proper party food : cakes and sandwiches ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out in the garden with a parasol and drank champagne . ''
Kerry Real from Shropshire said her husband ordered a cream tea as a `` nice pick-me-up '' in the middle of home schooling , working from home and a new baby .
`` We like to go to National Trust places , normally we 'd have a cream tea while we 're there , '' she said .
`` It is one of those nice things we just miss , so we thought , why not do it at home ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ an independent , Lily 's Secret Vintage Pop-up Tearoom , and it felt good to support them .
`` I think with lockdown , a lot of things are returning back to supporting local businesses ; it 's important , it helps them to survive as well . ''
One of those small business owners is Homemade by Victoria , run by Northamptonshire 23-year-old Victoria Austin .
The former young chef of the year said afternoon teas were now her bestsellers as people rang up and placed orders for friends and family nearby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She said the deliveries were helping make up for losses from cancelled catering for weddings and other events , and now instead of serving up teas on presentation china , it was now a simple box for hygienic delivery .
`` I started doing a few boxes here and there just to see , '' she said .
`` They 've always been quite popular but never as popular as this .
I do n't know why it is such a big thing but everyone 's loving it . ''
A spokesperson for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business , suggested the popularity may be to do with a wish for `` home comforts '' .
She said : `` A cream tea is one of those special moments , conjuring up fond memories of time spent with loved ones .
`` Over the last few weeks we 've seen so many people taking to the kitchen making scones , teaching the younger members of the family how to bake , and more importantly , how to enjoy a delicious cream tea .
`` With a little help from technology , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moments online , staying connected with loved ones . ''
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"It was really nice. We were meant to be away with all my family for a long weekend glamping, but obviously it's all not going ahead so my friends did it to cheer me up," she said.


bbc--2020-05-24--The South Korean Samsung protester living in the sky

For nearly a year , 61-year-old Kim Yong-hee , has being living on a 20m high traffic tower in the @ @ @ @ @ Korea .
It ’ s the latest in a quarter-century of protests Mr Kim has @ @ @ @ @ ’ rights at Samsung .
Kim Yong-hee says he was fired by the global tech @ @ @ @ @ , when he tried to form a trade union .
He ’ s been protesting @ @ @ @ @ to come down until the company improves workers ’ rights .
In a statement Samsung @ @ @ @ @ of Mr Kim is of our highest priority and we have engaged in negotiations .
@ @ @ @ @ Mr Kim was dismissed according to standing company regulations .
Samsung regrets the current situation @ @ @ @ @ this issue .
”

For nearly a year, 61-year-old Kim Yong-hee, has being living on a 20m high traffic tower in the centre of Seoul, South Korea. It’s the latest in a quarter-century of protests Mr Kim has made, fighting for workers’ rights at Samsung.
Kim Yong-hee says he was fired by the global tech giant nearly 30 years ago, when he tried to form a trade union. He’s been protesting ever since and vows not to come down until the company improves workers’ rights.
In a statement Samsung said: "The safety of Mr Kim is of our highest priority and we have engaged in negotiations. Contrary to certain allegations, Mr Kim was dismissed according to standing company regulations. Samsung regrets the current situation and is trying to resolve this issue.”
Filmed and produced by BBC Korea's Jungmin Choi
Edited by Kevin Kim


bbc--2020-05-25--Coronavirus outbreak: Caribbean tourism struggles as visitors stay home

Seagulls are the only ones using the pool at a resort fringing one of Antigua 's most popular beaches .
They have the place all to themselves , save for a solitary security guard surveying the empty terrace usually abuzz with families .
Above , the bright blue sky is devoid of the aeroplanes ordinarily flitting back and forth with such regularity they are used to tell the time .
The absence of holidaymakers due to the Covid-19 pandemic is keenly felt on this Caribbean island for which , like many of its counterparts , tourism has long been its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tourism-dependent region in the world '' , the Caribbean attracted more than 31 million visitors last year .
For some islands , the sector accounts to a colossal two-thirds of gross domestic product .
Antigua closed its borders to commercial flights in late March in an effort to contain the coronavirus .
`` Zero tourists means zero income , '' local excursion operator Glen Hector tells the BBC .
It is especially galling after ploughing his life savings into a new boat for his Creole Antigua Tours company in October .
`` My @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We 're staying positive that things will pick up but I 'm not seeing that happening until at least the end of the year , '' he explains .
`` If things do n't get better I 'm really expecting to pack up .
I know other small companies who feel the same . ''
On 4 June the first commercial flight in 10 weeks will land in Antigua when American Airlines touches down from Miami .
British Airways is set to follow suit in July .
Tourism bosses hope the island @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help facilitate social distancing and woo cautious holidaymakers back .
Still , Aidan McCauley , owner of the Sugar Ridge resort , is expecting a `` very soft season '' .
He hopes to reopen by November .
`` We get 50 % of our guests from the US and we believe that market will recover quicker , assuming Covid is contained .
But is that likely ?
A second wave in the autumn would mean nobody will be able to come at all , '' he says .
His plans include converting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to self-catering to alleviate travellers ' fears of virus transmission .
In St Lucia , the Anse Chastanet resort 's 540-strong workforce is down to just 35 .
The last guest left on 24 March .
`` It 's completely and utterly depressing to be here , '' says financial controller Stuart McKee .
With tourism the country 's main source of both jobs and income , the drop-off is `` scary stuff '' .
Furloughed staff are receiving income support through the country 's national insurance scheme but residents are acutely aware @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be long-lasting .
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• THE LOST SIX WEEKS : Missed chances for US to contain outbreak '' The government is being hammered because no-one has paid any taxes for the last couple of months .
They were expecting a windfall in March from VAT as February is traditionally the strongest month , '' Mr McKee explains .
`` St Lucia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so where the funds will come from I do n't know .
The virus itself has been pretty well contained but the economic fallout is terrifying , '' he adds .
In Dominica , tourism keeps up to 5,000 of the island 's 72,000 inhabitants employed , says director of tourism Colin Piper .
The sector had already taken a hit from 2017 's devastating Hurricane Maria but visitors were fast returning to explore the country 's famous hot springs , rainforests and waterfalls .
Dominica 's healthy agricultural industry means it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of its neighbours .
Nonetheless , tourism contributes up to a third of GDP , Mr Piper says , with officials working hard to ensure the `` sustainability of livelihoods '' .
Many Caribbean nations are hedging their bets that people who have spent weeks cooped up on lockdowns across the world will be longing for a beach vacation .
What the islands have in their favour is relatively low numbers of virus cases .
Earlier this month , University of West Indies researchers declared Covid-19 to be contained within the English-speaking Caribbean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ balancing act of luring tourists back while ensuring both their safety and that of their citizens in tiny nations with limited health resources .
Hospitality-related businesses employ more than 15,000 of Turks and Caicos ' 40,000 inhabitants , says Todd Foss , president of the British territory 's Hotel and Tourism Association .
Bookings from prospective holidaymakers are still being received daily , but lack of confidence in local health facilities is still a deterrent for many , Mr Foss says .
`` The key to welcoming the first plane appears to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the capacity of our hospitals , particularly the intensive care units .
Until this occurs , we are unlikely to see any revenues for the industry , '' he adds .
In Antigua , the government plans to require all visitors to undergo rapid Covid-19 testing upon entry .
They hope provisions such as virus tests for all industry workers and socially distanced resort dining will make people feel comfortable enough to travel .
Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez concedes `` things will be slow '' but says there are `` promising signs '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Caribbean .
With the Atlantic hurricane season around the corner , those who have traditionally relied on the peak winter season to see them through the quiet summer months are hoping those predictions bear fruit .

"We get 50% of our guests from the US and we believe that market will recover quicker, assuming Covid is contained. But is that likely? A second wave in the autumn would mean nobody will be able to come at all," he says.


bbc--2020-05-25--Coronavirus in Sudan exposes new leaders

In our series of Letters from Africa , Sudanese journalist Zeinab Mohammed Salih writes that the government which took power after the overthrow of long-serving ruler Omar al-Bashir has failed to provide leadership during the coronavirus crisis .
`` We managed to get rid of Omar al-Bashir .
How come we can not get hold of this tiny coronavirus ? ''
said Akram al-Tom , the Sudanese health minister , amid the rapid rise in Covid-19 cases in western Europe and the US in March .
With Sudan now having the highest number of cases ( more than 2,000 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ East Africa , many people are increasingly asking the question .
But Mr Tom is ducking the media .
The Ministry of Health has cancelled all press conferences - to abide by social-distancing rules - though it is unclear why it can not hold them online .
Social distancing is not something that Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok and an entourage of ministers put into practice when they were filmed at the airport in the capital , Khartoum , receiving the body of Defence Minister Gamal Omer following his sudden death in South Sudan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social distancing at the funeral home , despite a warning by neighbours about the health risk the gathering posed .
Mr Tom does appear on television from time to time , but only to read a pre-recorded statement on the latest number of Covid-19 cases and casualties .
And news has been in short supply because newspapers affected by a lack of sales because of lockdown restrictions have stopped printing , making content available only online .
This means most Sudanese will not have access to them as internet penetration is low here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some estimates .
It has left many wondering whether the government - an uneasy mixture of army generals and civilians - can be trusted .
Earlier this month the internet was shut for two days in eastern Kessala state after an outbreak of ethnic clashes which left about 10 people dead .
Although the shutdown may have been an attempt to prevent social media being used to inflame tensions , it raised concern that the government could end up suppressing the media just like the ousted regime .
The security forces , after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and have shown little sign of embracing human rights and democracy .
After the nationwide lockdown came into force in April , police allegedly beat up and arrested doctors - including the head of the biggest maternity hospital in Sudan - as they were heading to work .
This was despite the fact that the doctors were carrying travel permits .
Mr Tom eventually stepped in , and ordered their release .
• Why Africans should take part in vaccine trials • Child beggars at the heart of Nigeria 's outbreak Many believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the hundreds of Sudanese migrants who returned from Egypt and the United Arab Emirates in March because of the outbreak in those countries .
The government put them in quarantine centres , but many left prematurely , complaining about poor living conditions .
And students returning from China 's Wuhan city - where the virus was first detected - protested at the airport when the government wanted to put them into quarantine .
The government agreed to let the students go home .
Many saw this as a sign that the civilian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sharing power with the army generals who ousted Bashir following mass protests against his rule - was weak .
Many people , especially the elderly , have been dying of various illnesses in the capital , Khartoum , because dozens of health centres - including hospitals - shut after the outbreak of coronavirus in March .
Many doctors refused to work , complaining about a lack of protective equipment .
The Ministry of Health announced about two weeks agothat 30 health facilities in Khartoum had reopened .
However , some remain shut .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Khartoum - which has a population of about 10 million - exclusively for Covid-19 patients .
Sudan has not only been experiencing a health crisis - but also an economic crisis .
Inflation has topped 100 % , making it extremely difficult for millions of people to survive .
Their plight has been worsened by the fact that the lockdown has left them without an income and , to the disappointment of many , the prime minister and finance minister have not once appeared in public to sympathise with them , let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this as a failure of leadership - something they had not expected from people who carried the hopes of the revolutionary movement into government following Bashir 's overthrow in April 2019 .
• World of migrants turned upside down by Covid-19 • Why some Nigerians are gloating about Covid-19 Follow us on Twitter @ BBCAfrica , on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica

Their plight has been worsened by the fact that the lockdown has left them without an income and, to the disappointment of many, the prime minister and finance minister have not once appeared in public to sympathise with them, let alone offer financial help.


bbc--2020-05-25--George Kruis: England and Saracens lock to move to Japan at end of season

England and Saracens lock George Kruis will join Japanese Top League side Panasonic Wild Knights on a one-year contract at the end of the season .
The 30-year-old British and Irish Lion has been at Sarries , who were relegated to the Championship for salary cap breaches , for 11 years .
Kruis told BBC Radio 5 live `` this is not international retirement '' .
Kruis said it had been a difficult decision but that he was `` extremely excited '' about the move .
The Rugby Football Union does not select English players based overseas other than in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year said it would not rule out England selection for Saracens players who move abroad .
Kruis told BBC Radio 5 live he had `` spoken to his coaches '' at international level and made it `` nice and clear what my plans are '' .
Asked if he would only rejoin Saracens if he returned to England , Kruis replied : `` Yes .
It would have to be . ''
In a separate statement , Kruis said : `` Although this has clearly been a tough decision , I am extremely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new challenge and chapter in my career , joining [ former Australia coach ] Robbie Deans and the team at Panasonic Wild Knights at what is a really exciting time for rugby in Japan following the tremendous World Cup they hosted last year . ''
Kruis , whose contract comes with the option to extend for another year , is not the only player moving from Britain to Japan .
Wales centre Hadleigh Parkes is set to join the Wild Knights too , while former England fly-half Freddie Burns is going to Shokki @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Wales and future in Japan - Parkes • Sanzaar & Six Nations teams in talks to plan out global rugby union calendar Kruis has made almost 200 appearances for Sarries and has won 45 England caps since making his international debut in 2014 , including an appearance in last year 's World Cup final .
England number eight Billy Vunipola has already confirmed he will stay at Allianz Park along with fellow internationals Jamie George and Elliot Daly , while Maro Itoje and Mako Vunipola are yet to commit another season to @ @ @

Last updated on .From the section Rugby Union
George Kruis has 45 England caps
England and Saracens lock George Kruis will join Japanese Top League side Panasonic Wild Knights on a one-year contract at the end of the season.
The 30-year-old British and Irish Lion has been at Sarries, who were relegated to the Championship for salary cap breaches, for 11 years.
Kruis told BBC Radio 5 live "this is not international retirement".
Kruis said it had been a difficult decision but that he was "extremely excited" about the move.
The Rugby Football Union does not select English players based overseas other than in "exceptional circumstances" but earlier this year said it would not rule out England selection for Saracens players who move abroad.
Kruis told BBC Radio 5 live he had "spoken to his coaches" at international level and made it "nice and clear what my plans are".
England head coach Eddie Jones said: "We had some discussions about his club rugby and I think this offers him the opportunity for a different rugby and cultural experience which will allow him to continue to grow and develop as a player and as an individual.
"George is a tough, well-respected member of our team and I respect his decision."
Asked if he would only rejoin Saracens if he returned to England, Kruis replied: "Yes. It would have to be."
In a separate statement, Kruis said: "Although this has clearly been a tough decision, I am extremely excited and honoured to take on this new challenge and chapter in my career."
Kruis, whose contract comes with the option to extend for another year, is not the only player moving from Britain to Japan.
Wales centre Hadleigh Parkes is set to join the Wild Knights too, while former England fly-half Freddie Burns is going to Shokki Shuttles.
Kruis has made almost 200 appearances for Sarries and has won 45 England caps since making his international debut in 2014, including an appearance in last year's World Cup final.
England number eight Billy Vunipola has already confirmed he will stay at Allianz Park along with fellow internationals Jamie George and Elliot Daly, while Maro Itoje and Mako Vunipola are yet to commit.
Joel Kpoku, Saracens' 20-year-old lock, has extended his contract with the club until 2022.
He has scored three tries in 26 appearances since making his debut in October 2018.
Analysis
BBC Sport rugby union correspondent Chris Jones
Kruis won't be selected for England while playing in Japan, but he is keen to stress this is a curtailing of his international career, rather than an ending.
He will only be 31 or 32 when he returns home, and given he will not play as much rugby in the Top League as he would normally in England, the move could prolong his career.
But with Premiership clubs feeling the pinch, a gig in Japan may appear more and more tempting for players in the future, especially if Premiership pay cuts become permanent.
This could throw up a dilemma for the RFU, who have stuck to their policy of not selecting those based overseas; a rule which has had the desired effect of keeping star names at home.
However, if they were to start to bend the policy to accommodate Kruis or anyone else, they might as well scrap it altogether.


bbc--2020-05-25--Woods & Manning beat Brady & Mickelson in $20m charity match

Tiger Woods and Peyton Manning beat Phil Mickelson and Tom Brady in Sunday 's charity golf match which raised $ 20m ( £16.4m ) for coronavirus relief efforts in the United States .
Legendary NFL quarterback Brady hit the shot of the day , holing out from the fairway on the seventh .
`` I take my hat off to Tom and Peyton , '' said Woods .
`` This is our arena , this is what we do for a living .
`` I could n't imagine going on the field and do what they do , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four of the United States ' biggest sports stars at a rainy Medalist Golf Club in Florida - Woods ' home course - with no caddies and players driving their own golf buggies .
It follows Rory McIlroy 's £4m skins event last week involving fellow golfers Dustin Johnson , Rickie Fowler and Matthew Wolff also in aid of charity .
The 18-hole match included on-course challenges for charitable funds - and plenty of trash talk .
Six-time Superbowl winner Brady had been getting a hard time from NBA great and commentator Charles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wedge shot into the hole on the seventh .
`` When the going gets tough , the tough get going , '' joked Brady .
Then , after giving a short speech , Brady - who joined Tampa Bay in March after 20 years with New England - bent down and split his trousers as he picked the ball up from the cup .
The event comes two-and-a-half weeks before the PGA Tour plans to resume its season on 11 June .
Woods , 44 , who last competed in February and then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a back injury , said he is healthy and ready to play when the Tour resumes .

Last updated on .From the section Golf
Tiger Woods and Peyton Manning beat Tom Brady and Phil Mickelson by one shot in the $20m charity golf match
Tiger Woods and Peyton Manning beat Phil Mickelson and Tom Brady in Sunday's charity golf match which raised $20m (£16.4m) for coronavirus relief efforts in the United States.
Legendary NFL quarterback Brady hit the shot of the day, holing out from the fairway on the seventh.
"I take my hat off to Tom and Peyton," said Woods. "This is our arena, this is what we do for a living.
"I couldn't imagine going on the field and do what they do," he added.
The event was played between four of the United States' biggest sports stars at a rainy Medalist Golf Club in Florida - Woods' home course - with no caddies and players driving their own golf buggies.
It follows Rory McIlroy's £4m skins event last week involving fellow golfers Dustin Johnson, Rickie Fowler and Matthew Wolff also in aid of charity.
The 18-hole match included on-course challenges for charitable funds - and plenty of trash talk.
Six-time Superbowl winner Brady had been getting a hard time from NBA great and commentator Charles Barkley just before he hit a 100-yard wedge shot into the hole on the seventh.
"When the going gets tough, the tough get going," joked Brady.
Then, after giving a short speech, Brady - who joined Tampa Bay in March after 20 years with New England - bent down and split his trousers as he picked the ball up from the cup.
The event comes two-and-a-half weeks before the PGA Tour plans to resume its season on 11 June.
Woods, 44, who last competed in February and then withdrew from a number of tournaments with a back injury, said he is healthy and ready to play when the Tour resumes.