As football programs grow in countries they soon wish to test their national squad, but in the case of South Africa, there are no other Aussie Rules nations nearby. This may not be the case for much longer, as plans are underway to introduce the game to Zimbabwe. The remarkable explosion in interest in Australian footy appears poised to spread through southern Africa.

Australian Rules football has made great gains around the world in recent decades, but Africa has remained largely untouched. South Africa is the exception, and the targeted growth is certainly exciting.

Footy development in South Africa is set to receive a boost, courtesy of Australian Volunteers International and the AFL. Working together, the organisations have called for applicants wishing to fill the role of footy development officer working with South African clubs, schools and communities.

World Footy News recently did a short interview with Brian Clarke (pictured), regarding the touring Convicts concept.