Seven Nottingham women and three men have returned home victorious after winning the Australian Football European Cup in Bordeaux, France. Both England teams defeated Ireland in their respective finals and both in convicting fashion.

This was the 12th edition of the Euro Cup, and is growing year on year with 21 National Aussie Rules teams participating in Bordeaux. The annual tournament is a 9 a side version of this exciting, fast paced, full contact game. Due to this adaptation, it draws comparison to the ‘Rugby 7’s’ version of Rugby Union. While relatively unknown in Great Britain it is Australia's national sport, and is often described as being a mixture of rugby and football. For years the Irish have been the pinnacle of Australian Football in Europe, with their quick hand passing skills acquired from Gaelic football being advantageous to the sport known as AFL.

Nottingham playing a big part in the growth!

The growth of the game in England and in particular in Nottingham has seen an increase in participation and in turn performance. The Nottingham Scorpions men's team have competed in the Central, Northern England League for 14 years and last season established the first women's club team outside of London. Being at the forefront of game development it is no surprise that 7 Vixens (England Women’s) and 3 Dragonslayers (England Men’s) have worn the Scorpions guernsey this season with another Scorpion woman representing Wales at the tournament.

Scores from the tournament;

England Dragonslayers def Welsh Dragons 15-5
England Dragonslayers def Swedish Elks ??
(Quarter Final) England Dragonslayers def Austria
(Semi final) England Dragonslayers def French 42-21
(Final) England Dragonslayers def Irish Warriors 58-9

England Vixens; Laura Turner-Ramadan, Rania Turner-Ramadan, Alex Saulter, Danni Saulter, Beth Bailey, Jo Strong, Allanah Blount

England Dragonslayers; Martin Kearney, Ashley Swift, Rob Goliah

Welsh Wyverns; Jo Scrimshaw

Get Involved!

The Nottingham Scorpions are based out of Wilford, Nottingham. They have made Nottingham Modern’s rugby club their home, having had previous stints at the Forest Recreation ground amongst other venues.

Their season runs throughout the Spring and Summer, allowing many people to switch codes at the end of their respected seasons. Both the Nottingham Scorpions men and women’s teams are always on the lookout for new recruits, and usually start training around February. They have a Facebook page, which enables people interested in trying this incredible sport to keep up to date with preseason plans.