Tributes after Steve Wright of Australian 60s band Easybeats, dies

Australians are paying tribute to Steve Wright, widely regarded as Australia's first international pop star, after he died aged 68. He became a superstar at the age of sixteen, as lead singer of iconic 1960s rock band The Easybeats. Their song, Friday On My Mind, became a global hit and was voted the best Australian song ever in a 2001 poll. The group broke up after five years, but their music was later covered by David Bowie, INXS and many others. Image copyright Getty Images Image caption The band attracted a Beatles-style fandom, dubbed "Easyfever" Ordinary Australians as well as high profile figures in the music industry have been posting their memories of Wright on social media.

Arina Rodionova faces Australian Open playoff tie on her wedding day

 For many people, their wedding day is the best -- and busiest -- day of their lives. Tennis player Arina Rodionova will be busier than most brides when she ties the knot on Saturday. If getting married to Australian rules football player Ty Vickery wasn't enough to keep her occupied, she's also got an Australian Open playoff match to get through. The Russia-born Australian was originally due to play Storm Sanders in the afternoon, but with the wedding taking place at 4 p.m. local time, tournament organizers have agreed to move the semifinal qualifying clash to 9 a.m. "The priority has always been the wedding," Rodionova

"If the match had been any later then I would have really considered not playing. "There wasn't a chance I was going to miss my wedding to play in the semifinal but, thanks to the tournament directors and the referee, they managed to move it. I was begging them, it was a big discussion we had. "It's great as the tennis will take my mind off the wedding, but the wedding will also take my mind off the tennis. I'd probably recommend getting married the same day as a match to all tennis players..."

'Australian appointed England head coach'

 Eddie Jones has been named as England's first foreign head coach. The 55-year-old Australian has agreed a four-year deal with the Rugby Football Union (RFU) to replace Stuart Lancaster and will start in December. Jones has confirmed there will be no change to the policy of only selecting home-based players. "I want players who want to play for England," he said. "If you want to play for England you have to be in the Premiership. I am happy with that." Jones says he intends to speak with captain Chris Robshaw but is yet to decide who his captain will be.

Laura Robson will not use protected ranking for Australian Open

Laura Robson has decided not to use her protected ranking of 58 to gain direct entry into January's Australian Open. The 21-year-old has played in eight events since a 17-month lay-off with wrist problems, including the US Open. However, playing in New York - where she lost in the first round to Elena Vesnina - means the world number 555 can only use the protected ranking to enter one more Grand Slam. She may now instead opt to wait for the French Open. In the meantime, Robson is likely to try and build up her ranking at smaller events. Four other Britons - Andy Murray, Aljaz Bedene, Johanna Konta and Heather Watson - all gain direct entry into the draw in Melbourne. Kyle Edmund is currently the third alternate for the men's singles, meaning he stands a good chance of avoiding the qualifying competition.