Australian rules football

:Australian Rules redirects here. For the movie, see Australian Rules (film).

Australian Rules internationally

While Australian Rules Football is a major spectator sport only in Australia (except for occasional exhibition games staged in other countries), since the late 1980s amateur competition has grown in countries such as New Zealand, Ireland, United Kingdom, Denmark, the USA, Canada, Germany, Japan, Papua New Guinea, Nauru, Samoa, China and South Africa, initially established by Australian expatriates but collecting growing numbers of native players. The largest such competition is the Ontario Australian Football League, with 12 teams scheduled to compete in 2006. Separate from their local competitions, North American fans have formed an organization, AFANA, specifically to work for improved media coverage of Australian Rules Football and its U.S. branch, US Footy.

Related Topics:
Australia - 1980s - New Zealand - Ireland - United Kingdom - Denmark - USA - Canada - Germany - Japan - Papua New Guinea - Nauru - Samoa - China - South Africa - Ontario Australian Football League - North American - AFANA - US Footy

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A series of hybrid International Rules matches between Australia's best and a representative Gaelic football team from Ireland are staged annually. The rules are a compromise between the two codes, using a round ball and a rectangular field but allowing the fierce tackling of the Australian code. The series have remained evenly matched with the Irish using speed and athleticism, and the Australians strength and power - both inherent skills in their respective codes. This contrast of skills has created exciting contests that are a hit with spectators.

Related Topics:
International Rules - Gaelic football

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Australia has recruited several Irish Gaelic footballers to play Aussie Rules, most notably Brownlow medallist Jim Stynes, Sean Wight, and more recently Tadhg Kennelly, Setanta Ó hAilpín and Aisake Ó hAilpín.

Related Topics:
Brownlow - Jim Stynes - Sean Wight - Tadhg Kennelly - Setanta Ó hAilpín - Aisake Ó hAilpín

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The International Australian Football Council (IAFC) was formed in 1995 to promote and develop Australian football internationally. The inaugural Australian Football International Cup was held in Melbourne in 2002. It was contested by 11 teams made up exclusively of non-Australians: Ireland won the cup, defeating Papua New Guinea in the final. The second Australian Football International Cup was held in Melbourne in 2005, New Zealand defeating Papua New Guinea in the final.

Related Topics:
International Australian Football Council - Australian Football International Cup - 2002 - Ireland - Papua New Guinea - 2005 - New Zealand

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