Latest news with #Kefu
Sky News AU
5 days ago
- General
- Sky News AU
'It's disgusting': Queensland youth justice system under fire after court rules against recording convictions for violent teens
A crime victim advocate has urged the Queensland government to reform its youth justice system after a court decided two violent Queensland teenagers would not have their convictions recorded. On Tuesday, Queensland's Court of Appeal determined that the two teenagers who, armed with knives, broke into the home of Wallabies rugby legend Toutai Kefu in 2021, injuring Kefu and three of his family members, should not have a conviction recorded against them. The two teenagers, who were 15 years old at the time, slashed and stabbed Kefu and his wife, and injured their two adult children who came to their parents' aid. The Attorney-General appealed the case after Justice Peter Davis sentenced the two teens to less than 10 years in June last year. The appeal was dismissed on Tuesday by three Court of Appeal judges on the basis the Attorney-General had not established the sentences were 'manifestly inadequate' or, justified why convictions should be recorded against children. The court reaffirmed that not recording convictions aids children in their rehabilitation. "The proposition that a child is entitled to the benefit of not having a conviction recorded to assist with their rehabilitation … is supported by an established line of authority of this court which has not been overruled," the judgment read. It is well established in Australia that convictions are often not recorded against a child; if they are, they are often wiped after a crime-free period to give them the best possible chance at a clean slate and a crime-free life. Voice for Victims advocacy group founder Ben Cannon, who was also Kefu's neighbour at the time, said legislation around child convictions needs to be tightened. 'It's disgusting, the fact that these individuals, criminals, that cause such mayhem… these judges have got to start to set a precedent," he told Sky News. 'That they can just skip through life with no burden on their name and no questions being asked of their family as to why this happened is absolutely abhorrent. 'This has gone on for too long, too many victims (because) judges are making poor decisions that don't fall in line with what we expect." Mr Cannon, who was also injured in the attack, called on Queensland Premier David Crisafulli's government to make major changes to the state's criminal justice system. 'They can start listening to victims - when you go through the legislation, the laws are all so heavily weighted towards benefiting the criminal. 'The framework of the justice system is created out of how they can best manage a criminal. Well, what we need to start doing is, how do we see better outcomes for victims?' Section 183 and 184 of the Queensland Youth Justice Act dictate a conviction is not to be recorded against a child who is found guilty of an offence unless it is an offence that warrants life in prison. The act also dictates a judge should consider how recording a conviction may affect the chances of finding employment when making their decision.
Straits Times
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Les Kiss to coach a combined Australia-New Zealand team against the British and Irish Lions
– Wallabies coach-elect Les Kiss will take charge of a combined Australia-New Zealand XV, and Toutai Kefu will helm the First Nations & Pasifika XV against the British & Irish Lions in tour matches in July, Rugby Australia said on May 19. Australia has only four Super Rugby sides after the demise of the Melbourne Rebels in 2024 and the Lions will play the tour matches against the invitational sides in Adelaide and Melbourne as preparation for the Test Series. Queensland Reds boss Kiss, who will take over as Wallabies coach from Joe Schmidt in July 2026, said it would be a privilege to lead the AUNZ side, along with a coaching team including former All Blacks boss Ian Foster for the July 12 clash. 'The British & Irish Lions are one of world sport's most renowned teams and to be able to play them at an iconic Australian venue such as the Adelaide Oval will be an incredible spectacle,' he said in a press statement. 'I'm looking forward to working with a coach like Ian, who has wide-ranging experience at the highest level of the game, and linking up with the wider management in due course.' It will be the first time Australia and New Zealand will field a combined side since 1989. World Cup-winning former Wallabies No. 8 Kefu, who was coach of Tonga until 2023, said it would be a particular honour to lead the inaugural First Nations & Pasifika XV in Melbourne on July 22. 'First Nations and Pasifika people contribute massively to the game all around the world,' said Kefu, who is currently coaching in Japan after seven years with Tonga. 'The significance of this game in celebrating those ongoing contributions can't be overstated, especially against a team with the history of the British & Irish Lions.' The first clash between the Lions and Australia will take place in Brisbane on July 19 with the second and third Tests in Melbourne and Sydney on the following two Saturdays. Meanwhile, New Zealand coach Allan Bunting said he thought the Black Ferns were building nicely for their Women's World Cup title defence despite being held to a 27-27 draw by Canada in a Pacific Four clash on May 17. The Black Ferns had been desperate for a win in Christchurch to avenge their first-ever loss to the second-ranked Canadians in the 2024 Pacific Four and confirm that they were on the right track for the Aug 22-Sept 27 World Cup. 'Just that intent and effort from our ladies was outstanding, we've just got to be a bit better at execution,' Bunting told reporters. 'Canada's a quality side and once they got going, they're pretty hard to stop. The speed of the ball was pretty hard, and we need to react a little bit quicker. We needed that test now, and we'll get some pretty good learnings out of this. We'll definitely be better for it.' REUTERS, AFP Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
RTÉ News
19-05-2025
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Kiss to lead combined Australia-NZ team against Lions
Incoming Australia head coach Les Kiss will take charge of a combined Australia and New Zealand invitational team against the British & Irish Lions in a tour match in July. Australia has only four Super Rugby sides after the demise of the Melbourne Rebels last year and the Lions will play the tour matches against the invitational sides in Adelaide and Melbourne as preparation for the test series. Former Ireland coach Kiss, who will take over the Wallabies from Joe Schmidt in July next year, said it would be a privilege to lead the AUNZ side along with a coaching team including former All Blacks boss Ian Foster for the 12 July clash. "The British & Irish Lions are one of world sport's most renowned teams and to be able to play them at an iconic Australian venue such as the Adelaide Oval will be an incredible spectacle," he said in a press release. "I'm looking forward to working with a coach like Ian who has wide-ranging experience at the highest level of the game and linking up with the wider management in due course." Toutai Kefu will coach the First Nations & Pasifika XV against the British & Irish Lions in Melbourne on 22 July. World Cup-winning Wallabies number eight Kefu, who was coach of Tonga until 2023, said it would be a particular honour to lead the inaugural First Nations & Pasifika XV. "First Nations and Pasifika people contribute massively to the game all around the world," Kefu said. "The significance of this game in celebrating those ongoing contributions can't be overstated, especially against a team with the history of the British & Irish Lions." The first clash between the Lions and Australia will take place in Brisbane on 19 July with the second and third tests in Melbourne and Sydney on the following two Saturdays.
The Advertiser
19-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Savea and Beale on wish list for Lions invitational
While All Blacks ace Ardie Savea might be off-limits, Toutai Kefu is hoping to call on some Wallabies, including Kurtley Beale, to face the touring Lions after being named coach of the First Nations and Pasifika XV. Former Test No.8 Kefu, part of the Wallabies' triumphant 2001 series win over the British and Irish Lions outfit, has been appointed to steer the invitational side against the tourists in Melbourne on July 22. The fixture replaces the Lions' tour match scheduled against the now defunct Melbourne Rebels. Rugby Australia also announced on Monday that incoming Wallabies coach Les Kiss will have an early taste of life as an international coach when he oversees the AUNZ Invitational XV against the Lions in Adelaide. Queensland Reds mentor Kiss will team up with former All Blacks coach Ian Foster for the July 12 fixture, the first time since 1989 that Australia and New Zealand have combined on the field. That match was won 19-15 by the Lions, however only two of the seven Kiwi players originally named in the squad decided to play. Hope remain that Japan-based stars like Michael Hooper, Aaron Smith and Richie Mo'unga could be attracted to participate. While the parameters of player selection for the First Nations and Pasifika XV are unclear at this time, Kefu has his own wish-list, starting with Indigenous veteran Beale. "I would love to see him in my side, love to see him at five-eighth," said Kefu. "I don't know if Langi Gleeson is still hanging around or heading overseas, I'd love Rob Leota, Lukhan Salakai-Loto but most of these players will probably be involved with the Wallabies. "There's some great young players underneath it with a bit of experience - Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Zane Nonggorr, who is a young prop from the Reds, so I think there's plenty to choose from." Other Indigenous players who could be in the selection mix include a trio of wingers - Andy Muirhead, Dylan Pietsch and Triston Reilly - as well as Brumbies halfback Harrison Goddard. All Blacks loose foward Savea moved from the Hurricanes to bolster Moana Pasifika this Super season, with the struggling team now finals-bound for the first time. Savea was named winner of the inaugural Super Rugby Pacific player of the year award with two rounds remaining, such has been his dominance through the season. While New Zealand's third Test against France is three days before the First Nations and Pasifika XV match, it's very unlikely New Zealand would allow their superstar to play. Kefu, who coached Tonga for seven years and is now coaching in Japan, said he'd do his best to get Savea on board. "I'd love to have him, love to have a crack at it anyway," he said. "He'd be great to have for our team." While All Blacks ace Ardie Savea might be off-limits, Toutai Kefu is hoping to call on some Wallabies, including Kurtley Beale, to face the touring Lions after being named coach of the First Nations and Pasifika XV. Former Test No.8 Kefu, part of the Wallabies' triumphant 2001 series win over the British and Irish Lions outfit, has been appointed to steer the invitational side against the tourists in Melbourne on July 22. The fixture replaces the Lions' tour match scheduled against the now defunct Melbourne Rebels. Rugby Australia also announced on Monday that incoming Wallabies coach Les Kiss will have an early taste of life as an international coach when he oversees the AUNZ Invitational XV against the Lions in Adelaide. Queensland Reds mentor Kiss will team up with former All Blacks coach Ian Foster for the July 12 fixture, the first time since 1989 that Australia and New Zealand have combined on the field. That match was won 19-15 by the Lions, however only two of the seven Kiwi players originally named in the squad decided to play. Hope remain that Japan-based stars like Michael Hooper, Aaron Smith and Richie Mo'unga could be attracted to participate. While the parameters of player selection for the First Nations and Pasifika XV are unclear at this time, Kefu has his own wish-list, starting with Indigenous veteran Beale. "I would love to see him in my side, love to see him at five-eighth," said Kefu. "I don't know if Langi Gleeson is still hanging around or heading overseas, I'd love Rob Leota, Lukhan Salakai-Loto but most of these players will probably be involved with the Wallabies. "There's some great young players underneath it with a bit of experience - Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Zane Nonggorr, who is a young prop from the Reds, so I think there's plenty to choose from." Other Indigenous players who could be in the selection mix include a trio of wingers - Andy Muirhead, Dylan Pietsch and Triston Reilly - as well as Brumbies halfback Harrison Goddard. All Blacks loose foward Savea moved from the Hurricanes to bolster Moana Pasifika this Super season, with the struggling team now finals-bound for the first time. Savea was named winner of the inaugural Super Rugby Pacific player of the year award with two rounds remaining, such has been his dominance through the season. While New Zealand's third Test against France is three days before the First Nations and Pasifika XV match, it's very unlikely New Zealand would allow their superstar to play. Kefu, who coached Tonga for seven years and is now coaching in Japan, said he'd do his best to get Savea on board. "I'd love to have him, love to have a crack at it anyway," he said. "He'd be great to have for our team." While All Blacks ace Ardie Savea might be off-limits, Toutai Kefu is hoping to call on some Wallabies, including Kurtley Beale, to face the touring Lions after being named coach of the First Nations and Pasifika XV. Former Test No.8 Kefu, part of the Wallabies' triumphant 2001 series win over the British and Irish Lions outfit, has been appointed to steer the invitational side against the tourists in Melbourne on July 22. The fixture replaces the Lions' tour match scheduled against the now defunct Melbourne Rebels. Rugby Australia also announced on Monday that incoming Wallabies coach Les Kiss will have an early taste of life as an international coach when he oversees the AUNZ Invitational XV against the Lions in Adelaide. Queensland Reds mentor Kiss will team up with former All Blacks coach Ian Foster for the July 12 fixture, the first time since 1989 that Australia and New Zealand have combined on the field. That match was won 19-15 by the Lions, however only two of the seven Kiwi players originally named in the squad decided to play. Hope remain that Japan-based stars like Michael Hooper, Aaron Smith and Richie Mo'unga could be attracted to participate. While the parameters of player selection for the First Nations and Pasifika XV are unclear at this time, Kefu has his own wish-list, starting with Indigenous veteran Beale. "I would love to see him in my side, love to see him at five-eighth," said Kefu. "I don't know if Langi Gleeson is still hanging around or heading overseas, I'd love Rob Leota, Lukhan Salakai-Loto but most of these players will probably be involved with the Wallabies. "There's some great young players underneath it with a bit of experience - Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Zane Nonggorr, who is a young prop from the Reds, so I think there's plenty to choose from." Other Indigenous players who could be in the selection mix include a trio of wingers - Andy Muirhead, Dylan Pietsch and Triston Reilly - as well as Brumbies halfback Harrison Goddard. All Blacks loose foward Savea moved from the Hurricanes to bolster Moana Pasifika this Super season, with the struggling team now finals-bound for the first time. Savea was named winner of the inaugural Super Rugby Pacific player of the year award with two rounds remaining, such has been his dominance through the season. While New Zealand's third Test against France is three days before the First Nations and Pasifika XV match, it's very unlikely New Zealand would allow their superstar to play. Kefu, who coached Tonga for seven years and is now coaching in Japan, said he'd do his best to get Savea on board. "I'd love to have him, love to have a crack at it anyway," he said. "He'd be great to have for our team."
Straits Times
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Kiss to coach invitational team against Lions, Kefu leads Pasifika
SYDNEY - Wallabies coach-elect Les Kiss will coach the AUNZ Invitational XV and Toutai Kefu the First Nations & Pasifika XV against the British & Irish Lions in tour matches in July, Rugby Australia said on Monday. Australia has only four Super Rugby sides after the demise of the Melbourne Rebels last year and the Lions will play the tour matches against the invitational sides in Adelaide and Melbourne as preparation for the test series. Kiss, who will take over as Wallabies coach from Joe Schmidt in July next year, said it would be a privilege to lead the AUNZ side along with a coaching team including former All Blacks boss Ian Foster for the July 12 clash. "The British & Irish Lions are one of world sport's most renowned teams and to be able to play them at an iconic Australian venue such as the Adelaide Oval will be an incredible spectacle," he said in a press release. "I'm looking forward to working with a coach like Ian who has wide-ranging experience at the highest level of the game and linking up with the wider management in due course." World Cup-winning Wallabies number eight Kefu, who was coach of Tonga until 2023, said it would be a particular honour to lead the inaugural First Nations & Pasifika XV in Melbourne on July 22. "First Nations and Pasifika people contribute massively to the game all around the world," Kefu said. "The significance of this game in celebrating those ongoing contributions can't be overstated, especially against a team with the history of the British & Irish Lions." The first clash between the Lions and Australia will take place in Brisbane on July 19 with the second and third tests in Melbourne and Sydney on the following two Saturdays. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
