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Wales

This page is a quick snapshot of the status of Australian Football in Wales. For further information, browse our news items or use the search facility. If you wish to contact football officials from the country, please search our site for links to their leagues or clubs, including in our Atlas. If unsuccessful, we can normally assist with putting people in touch.

Approx population (2009):   3 million

National side:   Cymru Red Dragons (at International Cups Welsh players are eligible to play for Great Britain)

Governing body:   AFL Britain is recognised by the AFL as the controlling body in the UK, but specifically within Wales the game is run by the AFL Britain-affiliated WARFL

Domestic clubs:
Cardiff Double Blues
South Cardiff Panthers
Gwent Tigers
Swansea Magpies
Vale Warriors
Bridgend Eagles
Bristol Dockers (England)

Primary contact/link:   Welsh Australian Rules Football League

WFN Census (2004):   N/A (founded 2007)

WFN World Ranking (2008):   At the International Cups Welsh players represent Great Britain (equal 9th)

History:   In 2007 Bryce Stone, from Adelaide but of Welsh heritage, returned to Wales and established Australian football. Initially he worked under the Aussie Rules Wales banner but after the first season it switched to the Welsh Australian Rules Football League. With strongest numbers from Cardiff, the number of regular teams ebbed and flowed in the first few years but by 2009 there were 4 clubs established - South Cardiff Panthers, Cardiff Double Blues, Swansea Magpies and Gwent Tigers, each aligned with clubs from South Australia's state league, the SANFL.

The 2010 season will see the creation of Wales' fifth club, the Vale Warriors. The Warriors are based in the town of Barry and will wear the colours of former SANFL club Woodville. The national side has been quite active with some wins against the ARUK's England Dragonslayers and the Scottish Puffins. Already some Welsh players have made the full national Great Britain team.

See also Great Britain.

Outlook (2010):   The WARFL appear to have a solid basis with steady growth likely over the next few years.

Other points of interest:   The Cymru Red Dragons represent Wales such as in matches against Scotland, whereas the WARFL Red Devils is the team that represents their League (i.e. not based on nationality of the players).

Last Updated: Friday, April 29 2011 @ 07:48 pm ACST| Hits: 4,624