NEWCASTLE, UK — Percy Park in Newcastle played host to a magnificent celebration of international Australian Rules Football on Saturday, July 4th, as the 2026 Euro Cup brought together over 400 participants across men’s and women’s competitions. Contested across five pitches at Percy Park and the adjacent Gosforth Sports Association grounds, national teams fought for continental honours in an atmosphere marked by intense rivalry and outstanding sportsmanship. 

The 2026 tournament featured national teams representing England, Ireland, France, Israel, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Netherlands, Germany, Croatia, Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, Poland, Austria, Hungary, and an All-Stars representative side. 

Germany and Croatia players compete for a mark, Croatia player is going with a closed fist to spoil the ball.

Over 400 athletes represented 16 countries across 26 men’s and women’s teams at Percy Park, Newcastle on Saturday. 

France Edges Israel in Men’s Thriller 

The Men’s division produced scintillating football from the opening stages. France capped off an unbeaten campaign with a tactically supreme finals run. After dispatching Wales 6.4.40 to 3.2.20 in the semi-finals, the French side met Israel in a high-intensity Grand Final decider. In a tight, hard-tackling contest, France held off a relentless Israeli team effort to secure the national title 5.4.34 to 3.6.24. 

Wales took home 3rd place overall after claiming a 5.2.32 to 3.5.23 victory against Ireland. 

Irish Banshees Reign Supreme in Women’s Final 

The Women’s competition featured exceptional ball movement and elite skill execution. Ireland proved the dominant force throughout the tournament, overpowering France 10.1.61 to 0.1.1 in their semi-final. Meeting host team England in the Grand Final decider, the Irish side displayed clinical conversion, breaking away to earn a convincing 6.2.38 to 2.1.13 victory. 

Scotland rounded out the women’s podium, overcoming France 3.4.22 to 1.2.8 in the 3rd place play-off. 

France Men's Team lift the trophy and celebrate after winning the Euro Cup

France celebrate winning the Euro Cup 2026.

Ireland Women's team lifting the trophy after winning the Euro Cup

The Irish Banshees lift the Euro Cup after beating England in the final.

Unforgettable Day in the North-East 

Off the field, the sportsmanship was second to none, with players from all nations coming together to celebrate the growth of international footy. A massive thank you to Percy Park, host organizers, umpires, and volunteers! 

2026 Champions League Celebrates European Footy in Lyon 

LYON, France – Parc de Parilly in Lyon played host to a magnificent spectacle of Australian Football on Saturday, April 18th, as the 2026 Champions League brought together over 300 athletes from across the continent. Contested in fantastic conditions, the tournament featured the best men’s and women’s teams competing in high-stakes action marked by intense competition and remarkable sportsmanship. 

This year’s flagship club event featured teams from across Europe, including host club ALFA (Lyon) Lions, Wandsworth Demons, Cork Vikings, Edinburgh Bloods, Leeside Lions, Geneva Jets, Antony Blues, Amsterdam Devils, Copenhagen Barracudas, Oslo Crows, Zagreb Dockers, Norrtälje Dockers, Wrocław Lions, Prague Dragons, West London Wildcats, Årste Swans, and South West Suns. 

Ruck contest between Copenhagen Barracudas and Lyon Lions

Fast-paced football under sunny skies at Parc de Parilly in Lyon for the 2026 Champions League.

Wandsworth Demons Claim Men’s Crown 

In the Senior Men’s division, the Wandsworth Demons put on a masterclass in relentless pressure and clinical ball movement. After moving through group play undefeated, the Demons triumphed over Leeside Lions 7.5.47 to 4.3.27 in a tight semi-final. In the Grand Final, Wandsworth held off a strong performance from the Edinburgh Bloods to seal a memorable 8.9.57 to 6.3.39 championship victory. 

The Leeside Lions secured third place overall, overcoming the Geneva Jets 11.5.71 to 4.4.28 in the play-off. 

Cork Vikings Dominate Women’s Division 

The Senior Women’s competition delivered exceptional skill and fast-moving football throughout the day. The Cork Vikings proved unstoppable, charging through their group fixtures before defeating the West London Wildcats 5.3.33 to 1.4.10 in the semi-finals. 

In the Grand Final decider, Cork showcased straight kicking, defeating a resilient Edinburgh Bloods side 10.4.64 to 2.2.14 to lift the Champions League trophy. The West London Wildcats captured third place with a convincing 9.5.59 to 1.1.7 performance against the Årste Swans. 

Cork Vikings lifting the trophy up in the air and celebrating

The 2026 Champions League winners Cork Vikings celebrate their victory in Lyon.

Wandsworth Demons Men's Team celebrating on the floor with the trophy

The 2026 Champions League men’s winners Wandsworth Demons.

 

A Fitting Showcase for European Footy 

Beyond the silverware, the event underlined the continually rising standard and deep friendship within Australian Football across the region. Despite high intensity across all 50+ matches, the day was played in a fantastic, positive spirit, backed by tremendous support from traveling fans and local hosts. 

BELFAST — Queen’s University Belfast played host to an unforgettable day of Australian Football on Saturday, February 28th, as the 2026 Fitzpatrick Cup brought together over 200 student-athletes from across the UK and Ireland. Contested at the Queen’s University GAA Fields, the tournament featured men’s and women’s teams competing in an action-packed day epitomised by the intense competition and remarkable sportsmanship. 

This year’s edition featured six universities: hosts Queen’s University Belfast, University College Cork (UCC), University of Limerick (UL), Munster Technological University (MTU), Cardiff Metropolitan University, and the University of Birmingham. 

Ruck contest at Fitzpatrick Cup

High-flying action at Queen’s University, Belfast during the 2026 Fitzpatrick Cup.

Favouries Charge Through Men’s Bracket 

The Senior Men’s competition produced outstanding football from the opening bounce. University College Cork (Red) set the early benchmark with dominant group-stage wins over UL (11.1.67–1.3.9) and host side Queen’s University (12.5.77–0.0.0). Munster Technological University (Red) proved equally impressive, securing strong early victories before controlling their quarter-final matchup against UL with a 7.5.47 to 2.1.13 performance. 

Cardiff Metropolitan University and University of Limerick also made their presence felt, picking up crucial group-stage victories over UCC Blue and MTU Blue respectively to ensure a hard-fought knockout phase. 

High-Scoring Drama in Women’s Competition 

The Women’s bracket featured fast-paced, skilful footy across every round. University College Cork (Red) displayed clinical composure, recording preliminary wins over Birmingham (2.9.21–0.0.0) and Cardiff Met (2.2.14–1.2.8), before overcoming college mates UCC Black in a 6.1.37 to 4.5.29 semi-final clash. 

Meanwhile, the University of Limerick mounted a formidable run of their own, overcoming UCC Black in the group stage (3.4.22–2.4.16) and putting on an attacking masterclass against Cardiff Met with a 6.2.38 to 1.5.11 semi-final win to secure their place in the title decider. 

UCC Red celebrate after winning the women’s competition.

Celebration of University Footy 

Beyond the scoreboard, the event highlighted the continued growth of university footy. Despite fierce on-field action, the day was defined by fair play, competitive spirit, and tremendous support from traveling fans and volunteers.