World Footy News

The 2006 Scottish ARFL draw has been released, with two new clubs in the Middlesbrough Hawks and Glasgow Redbacks. Middlesbrough is located in far northern England, near Durham and Newscatle - the first footy side in the north east. The arrival of the Redbacks means that this weekend can see a derby played in both Glasgow (between the Redbacks and Sharks) and Edinburgh (Bloods vs Body Snatchers), reminiscent of the classic cross-town clashes in Scottish soccer.

Early speculation had suggested that the BARFL Regional league and the Scottish premiership may join forces this year, with a draw specially created to even out travel. Cost and distance eventually made this idea unworkable - the new Middlesbrough team finding itself geographically better-placed to join with the Scots than the BARFL Regional league. The option of a full, north-south premiership may be re-examined next year.

Further south, the BARFL Regional league gets under way this weekend, with new sides the Manchester Mosquitos and Thanet Bombardiers hoping to make a strong first impression against Swindon and Reading repectively. In a repeat of last years Regional Grand Final, the Nottingham Scorpions take on the Bristol Dockers, and the Dockers are sure to be looking to exact revenge on last year's result.

The Reading Roos have dropped out of the Premiership this year to concentrate on the Regional League. Reading should have a strong side - a big test for the new (and mainly British) Bombardiers team first up. The London leagues will also be getting underway, so it's all systems go for Australian Football in the UK this weekend.