Aussie Rules: Rams a role model

Jun 26 2009 By Doug Thomson

BRIAN CLARKE will visit Huddersfield for the first time tomorrow – eager to witness first hand the quick progress made by the town’s Aussie Rules club.

The London-based former Darwin and Queensland player runs the UK League, which Huddersfield Rams joined following their formation by Armitage Bridge man Karl Haigh late last year.

Such has been the progress made by the team, who play their first home match against Leeds Bombers at Lockwood Park, that they are top of the Central Division.

And Clarke, who will umpire the 1.00 derby showdown as well as the 3.00 clash between Birmingham Bears and Liverpool Eagles, says a number of Rams players are being considered for an England call-up.

"The way the Rams have developed as a club has been tremendous, and it’s going to be a pleasure to be in Huddersfield tomorrow," said Clarke, who has been UK League general manager for four years.

"Having been interviewed on radio about England’s success in the EU Cup last year, I got a phone call from Karl, who told me he wanted to start playing Aussie Rules after having a go while travelling.

"I asked him where he came from, and I have to confess I wasn’t exactly sure where Huddersfield was, although I know a lot about the place now!

"I told Karl that there wasn’t a team in Huddersfield, so quick as a flash he said he was going to start one – and what a superb job he’s made of it.