Aussie Rules: Rams a role model

Jun 26 2009 By Doug Thomson

"Karl’s enthusiasm is infectious, as is that of Neil Morrison, the only Aussie in the side, and the club are model for anyone who wants to start one up."

Morrison has been put in charge of the Central Division team for the British Cup, which now takes place in Reading a week tomorrow.

A side made up of players from the Rams, Leeds, Birmingham, Liverpool, Sheffield Thunder and Manchester Mosquitoes will take on select teams from the Northern and Southern divisions.

And Clarke added: "There will be some Rams players in the Central squad, and it will be interesting to see how they go in that event as well as tomorrow ahead of our England selection meeting.

"We have a warm-up game against the Irish Exiles and two against Wales in September before we defend the EU Cup in Croatia in October, and there’s every chance of some Rams involvement, which is a great incentive for the players."

Looking further ahead, Clarke is keen to expand the UK League, explaining: "The plan is to have five divisions next year, and there is interest from Bradford and York.

"One of our key policies is for teams to establish links with rugby clubs, firstly because the pitches are perfect for our nine-a-side form of the game (in Australia it’s 18-a-side) and also because rugby players seem well suited to Aussie Rules, which provides a great way for them to stay fit during the summer.

"It’s another thing which the Rams have done very well, and from talking to Karl and looking on the web, Huddersfield Rugby Union Club seem to have a fantastic set-up.

"Hopefully the weather will be set fair and there will be a good turn-out tomorrow. The Rams are putting on a real show, and it should be a top afternoon out for all the family."