France and Ireland Claim Glory at 2026 Euro Cup in Newcastle 

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

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. 

2026 Fitzpatrick Cup Delivers Thrilling University Footy in Belfast

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. 

AFL Poland celebrates Pink October

Pink smoke drifted across the Warsaw sky as women sprinted from the goal square — a moment that carried a message far bigger than the game itself.

AFL Poland’s Pink October campaign pulled an entire community into motion. Women from Warsaw, Bytom, Wrocław, Kraków, and Poznań came together to use Australian football as a vehicle for awareness, education, and unity. The message was simple: tackle breast cancer.

Photo credit: AFL Poland

 

Throughout October, training sessions, workshops, and charity drives rolled out across Poland.

Phil Forbes, President of AFL Poland, captured the spirit of it best: “Today’s about bringing awareness to an illness that will statistically impact women in all our lives. It’s also a celebration of the women who make our sport what it is: the players, photographers, supporters, and friends who hold our community together.”

Forbes said the idea grew after seeing clubs across Europe unite around Movember and men’s health awareness.

The campaign partnered with the Rakiety Oncology Foundation, a Polish cancer charity focused on research and education. Workshops explored risk factors linked to breast cancer and demonstrated how to check for early signs. Workshops explored breast cancer risk factors and gave participants hands-on experience checking models of healthy and cancerous tissue.

Funds came through T-shirt sales and Angels Cards, customised playing cards featuring AFL Poland athletes, coaches and umpires. Over 60 shirts and 45 decks sold, raising nearly €800 for Rakiety’s ongoing breast cancer research and support programs.

 

Written by Phil Forbes

 

 

Australian World Cup Winning Legend George Gregan announced as AFL GF Lunch Speaker!

We are thrilled to announce that George Gregan, one of Australia’s greatest-ever Wallabies, will be our fourth guest speaker at The Kia Oval – Surrey County Cricket Club on the 26th September for our upcoming AFL Grand Final Lunch!

If anyone knows about big finals and big moments, it’s George. His stellar rugby career saw him earn 139 Test caps, making him Australia’s most-capped player.

He was a key part of the Wallabies’ 1999 Rugby World Cup victory, played in three consecutive World Cup finals (1995, 1999, 2003), and led Australia to a Bledisloe Cup series win and the 2001 British & Irish Lions series triumph.

Appointed Wallabies captain in 2001, his leadership and competitive spirit became the hallmark of his game. In 2004, he was appointed to the Order of Australia for his services to rugby.

Since retiring, George has built a successful career in business and philanthropy.

He is the co-founder of PTP Fitness, a director at The Gregan Group, founder of the George Gregan Foundation, and has a longstanding association as a global ambassador with HSBC and Howden Insurance.

George also continues to share his expertise through commentary with ITV Sport and SuperSport.

To hear more about George’s incredible career and to celebrate Australian culture, join us at the Kia Oval on the 26th September! (Tickets here!)

Written by Ben Grenier

Marie Keating announced as AFL Europe Grand Final Lunch Speaker!

We are delighted to announce our third guest speaker for AFL Grand Final Lunch at The Kia Oval on the 26th September – Marie Keating!

Marie Keating grew up obsessed with sport in the small village of Killeedy in West Limerick. Early years were spent playing camogie with Killeedy, where she helped them win their first ever County Senior Championship, and she went on to wear the jerseys of Limerick, Munster and Ireland in the sport.

After travelling to Sydney in 2005 she was introduced to AFL and was selected to represent New South Wales at three National Championships, winning an All-Australian medal in 2010 and being part of the Inaugural AFL Women’s High Performance camp in 2010. As part of the program she played in a curtain-raiser exhibition match ahead of the round 12, 2010 AFL match between Melbourne and Collingwood. In 2011, she was selected as one of eight players to participate in the AIS/AFL women’s academy.

In club football Marie won 2 Sydney Women’s AFL Premierships with Western Wolves, was twice SWAFL Leading Goalscorer and was named on the Sydney Women’s AFL Team of the Decade in 2008.

On returning to Ireland in 2011 she found an emerging women’s AFL scene in Ireland and Europe and has played in 11 International tournaments with both Ireland, winning 10. Marie is also a founding member of the Cork Vikings with whom she won 4 Ireland AFL Premierships and 3 club European Cups.

She moved into coaching in 2016 with University College Cork Bombers Women’s AFL and is currently Assistant Coach to the Irish Banshees, winning all the tournaments she has competed in with both teams.

While in Australia Marie completed an Associate Degree in Visual Communications and now works as a freelance Photographer and Videographer in Ireland utilising a relaxed, non-obtrusive and artful editorial style covering weddings, portraits, commercial and schools.

Her interests in live plays and psychology occupy the rest of her time.

To hear Marie’s story in person, indulging in Australian cuisine and celebrating its culture, book your ticket now to the AFL Grand Final Lunch on the 26th September at the Kia Oval (Tickets here!)

Written by Ben Grenier

 

AFL Europe Ambassador Matt de Groot announced as Master of Ceremonies for Grand Final Lunch!

Matt de Groot has been based in London since 2024, having already MC’d events in that city, New York and Paris.

He works at Sky News and Sky Sports News in the UK, while can still be heard in Sydney each morning with his daily UK Report on AM1269 2SM.

Prior to moving with his famliy, Matt was the breakfast newsreader for Fitzy & Wippa on Sydney’s Nova 96.9, as well as host of Nova’s weekly morning show ‘Matt & Sarah’.

Along with radio, Matt has been a regular panellist on ‘The Morning Show’ on Channel 7, Studio 10, Sky News, the ABC and other programs.

While in the UK, Matt is an AFL Europe ambassador, extending his passion for the sport in Australia to the northern hemisphere.

His first Sydney role was as sports journalist at Sydney’s 2UE. At 21 he was among the youngest to host a sports program in the station’s history. During his time at 2UE, he covered the Commonwealth Games in India, countless State of Origins, cricket tests, and has been face to face with Prime Ministers and Premiers.

To find out more about our AFL Europe ambassador program, write an e-mail to admin@maxg70.sg-host.com

To hear Matt show of his MCing skills and enjoy a night of Australian culture with guest speakers and entertainment, head to our ticketing website to book!

 

 

Matt Graham announced as our second live artist at the Grand Final Lunch!

Matt Graham is a genre-blending artist, songwriter, guitarist, and producer from Brisbane, Australia.

He blends live instrumentation with modern production, connecting his Brisbane roots with a forward-looking vision. His collaborations on stage and in the studio include Sheppard, Busby Marou, Sahara Beck, Jem Cassar-Daly, and artists from Australian Idol and The Voice.

Matt has toured Australia with the 50 Shows in 50 Days tour, and performed internationally at events in Dubai & Las Vegas, to London’s fireworks on the River Thames.

As a songwriter and producer, Matt has worked in studios from Brisbane to Nashville, in rooms home to Powderfinger and Johnny Cash; collaborated with Motown Music legends, the Muscle Shoals; and performed alongside Grammy-winner Liz Rose. He also leads The B-Sides, reimagining well-known songs, and has appeared at Jungle Love and Queensland’s Woodford Folk Festival, by invitation of Artistic Director Bill Hauritz.

Now based in London, Matt continues to expand his career — working with high-profile bands and Grammy-nominated musicians while producing new music, with his work recently featured in the trailer for the film I Swear.

To experience Matt’s performance in person, come along to the Kia Oval on the 26th September (Tickets here!)

 

Sarah Marschke announced as one of the live artists at the Grand Final Lunch!

Hailing from Bundaberg, Queensland, Sarah Marschke is a country singer-songwriter whose roots run deep in the heart of small-town Australia. Known nationally as the face of Australia and crowned Miss Australia in 2019, she first made her mark through a successful modeling career. But behind the spotlight, her true passion has always been country music.

Drawing inspiration from her hometown and the stories that shaped her, she writes heartfelt songs that reflect the spirit of rural life.

With a voice as genuine as her lyrics, Sarah Marschke brings the beauty of country living to life through every song.

To hear Sarah’s music in person, come along to the Kia Oval on the 26th September! (Tickets here!)

Peter Hatzoglou announced as AFL GF Lunch guest speaker!

We are delighted to announce our second guest speaker for the Grand Final Lunch at the Kia Oval on the 26th September – Peter Hatzoglou!

Peter is an Australian leg-spin bowler renowned for his unorthodox action, high release and clever variations.

Whilst working as a consultant in the Enterprise Advisory group at KPMG, Peter was playing Premier Cricket with Melbourne University when he was spotted by former Australian captain Cameron White – an opportunity that propelled him into the Big Bash League. He made his debut for the Melbourne Renegades in 2020, winning Rookie of the Year in his first season.

Since then, Peter has gone on to win three Big Bash premierships in just five years, placing him third on the all-time list of BBL title winner. His career has taken him across the globe, playing franchise cricket in the PSL, CPL, ILT20, County Cricket, and with the Oval Invincibles in the Hundred.

Encouraged personally by Shane Warne to leave behind his corporate career and pursue cricket full0time, Peter’s story reflects resilience, adaptability, and a unique journey through the modern game.

To find out more about Peter’s story, join us at the Kia Oval on the 26th September (Tickets here!)