World Footy News

With their 2008 season fast approaching, the Australian Rules Football League of Ireland have signed a two year sponsorship agreement with Specialist Mortgage and Australian Tax Services, with an option for two more years.

Under the agreement the Super 9s will be known as the Smats.net Super 9s and the Premiership will be known as the Aussieproperty.com Premiership.

The Irish have also launched their new "Irish Footy Record" newsletter, available by contacting arflipr@yahoo.com.

In other Irish news, the new club in County Kerry has been officially titled the Kingdom Kangaroos. Irish International rep and former Leeside Lion Denis Kennelly has the club preparing for their first season in the Irish Premiership and they are hopeful that their new site at www.kingdomkangaroos.com will help in their recruitment drive.

Denis, cousin of Sydney's Tadhg Kennelly, has been busy converting his fellow Kerrymen to the cause and is keen to hear from anyone who would have an interest in joining the fledgling team. He can be contacted by e-mailing kingdomkangaroos@gmail.com.

Speaking on the sponsorship announcement, SMATS Group Chairman Steve Douglas said "As the leading provider of Australian Taxation & Finance services to expatriates and foreign investors, SMATS Group is proud to become involved with the Australian Rules Football League of Ireland and support their endeavours in promoting our unique game on the international stage."

"Our two year commitment to support the aussieproperty.com Premiership and the SMATS Super 9's will hopefully allow them to grow the competition and engage a larger Irish and expatriate following."

"The recent success of Irish players entering into the AFL and popularity of the International Rules series shows the importance of the ARFLI and proves to all that further development of the game can only lead to greater opportunities for the sport on both sides of the world".