In the lead-up to the second International Cup the British Bulldogs have been training hard under the guidance of former Adelaide Crows premiership player Matt Connell. The Brits are quietly confident of their chances over the next few weeks. World Footy News (WFN) spoke with Connell about his career and Aussie footy in the UK.

Fiatupu To’oto’o, most valuable player at the 2002 International Cup, will be lining up again for the Samoan Bulldogs this August. Internet news source eventpolynesia.com profiled the star and Australian football generally in the island nation.

The AFL have again amended the draw for the International Cup 2005 following the withdrawal of Denmark and at very late notice Nauru (both mainly due to financial problems). The Pool system has been eliminated, and all sides play 4 games, after which the top 4 sides play off in semi-finals for the right to play in the MCG Grand Final. The lower 6 teams play off amongst themselves. As disappointng as this is for the countries that were unable to attend, it does ensure a more exciting competition, with the semi-finals guaranteed to be top matches.

With the International Cup starting this Wednesday we're starting to see numerous articles appearing in the mainstream Melbourne media. In the Herald Sun Jordan Chong spoke with US Revolution players Chris Carroll and Jay Mueller, and Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy, who along with Ron Barassi is the highest profile AFL advocate for spreading the great Australian game.

As reigning International Cup champions, the pressure is on Ireland to defend their title. Their league was only young when they lifted the first cup, so with more experience they will be difficult to beat.

Fixtures involving Nauru have been omitted from a revised International Cup draw posted on afl.com.au, suggesting that the struggling Pacific nation has withdrawn from the competition.

The United States Australian Football National team - the American Revolution - will arrive in Melbourne this week for their second attempt to take home the International Cup. This talented bunch of American footballers will be playing under an Australian coach, making the return to his home town. World Footy News profile USA coach Alan Nugent.

New Zealand Falcons captain Andrew Congalton has been receiving some press coverage at home, with a profile article appearing in the North Shore Times and on news website stuff.co.nz.

Papua New Guinea, one of the favourites to win the upcoming International Cup, are still searching for a sponsor to support their tilt at the title.

As reported in Call for commentators at Cup matches the AFL were seeking volunteers to commentate on IC round 1 and 3 matches, which will be filmed for promotional purposes. They have now appointed two locals to the positions, but will still be interested in international guests who can provide some insight into their country's players and local footy scene.