Australian Rules Internationally

While Australian Rules Football is a major spectator sport only in Australia (except for occasional exhibition games staged in other countries), since the late 1980s amateur competition has grown in countries such as New Zealand, Ireland, United Kingdom, Denmark, the USA, Canada, Germany, Japan, Papua New Guinea, Nauru, Samoa, China and South Africa. This was initially established by Australian expatriates, but now collects growing numbers of native players. Separate from their local competitions, North American fans have formed an organisation, AFANA, specifically to work for improved media coverage of Australian Rules Football and its U.S. branch, US Footy.

A series of hybrid International Rules matches between Australia's best and a representative Gaelic football team from Ireland are staged annually. The rules are a compromise between the two codes, using a round ball and a rectangular field but allowing the fierce tackling of the Australian code. The series have remained evenly matched with the Irish using speed and athleticism, and the Australians strength and power - both inherent skills in their respective codes. This contrast of skills has created exciting contests that are a hit with spectators.

Australia has recruited several Irish Gaelic Players to play Aussie Rules, most notably Brownlow medallist Jim Stynes, Sean Wight, and more recently Tadhg Kennelly, Setanta Ó hAilpín and Aisake Ó hAilpín.

The International Australian Football Council (IAFC) was formed in 1995 to promote and develop Australian football internationally. The inaugural Australian Football International Cup was held in Melbourne in 2002. It was contested by 11 teams made up exclusively of non-Australians: Ireland won the cup, defeating Papua New Guinea in the final. The second Australian Football International Cup was held in Melbourne in 2005, with New Zealand defeating Papua New Guinea in the final.