World Footy News

The Hoganstand website has reported that Australian Football powerhouse the Brisbane Lions have signed two young Irish Gaelic football players from county Laois as international rookies. The Lions cite the loss of their retention allowance (a monetary allowance that meant their salary cap was larger than other clubs) has made them look further afield for a competitive edge in recruitment. With an Irish connection in mind, they have also indicated they wish to form closer ties with the Irish community in future, in Australia and Ireland. Both these issues bode well for the continuation of the broader vision that AFL clubs have displayed in the last couple of years as they turn their eyes overseas.

The article discussing closer Irish ties is Irish have community, corporate appeal on Brisbane's website, and the Hoganstand report can be read on the ARFLI website at Laois duo to join Brisbane Lions. It states that Colm Begley and Brendan Quigley have signed two year deals following successful trials staged in Ireland (see Brisbane holds squad trials in Ireland). This follows Brisbane being knocked back by Sean Cavanagh, one of Ireland's better players in the recent International Rules Tests between the two nations.