Australian men and women from throughout Europe, have applied to play in this monumental match by submitting their stories of connections to the ANZAC, Villers-Bretonneux and the surrounding areas. The Men’s tally currently sits at 4 wins to Australia and 3 to France, motivating the French to even the score. This year is the 2nd year for the women’s game which will see a full squad participate, and have the Australian girls wanting to collect their first win. This year we are also proud to have our Australian Spirit Team sponsored by O’Neills Sportswear.
The 8th annual event marks the 98th anniversary of the battle that saw the Australian and allied troops reclaim the Villers-Bretonneux from the advancing Germans. “This is an exceptionally special event on the AFL Europe calendar for all involved. Being Australian, and attending the Dawn Service every year with my own Grandfather, makes this event monumental for me, being able to now attend the service in Villers-Bretonneux is an incredibly touching experience. One that most definitely should be attended by every Australian at some point in their lives.” notes AFL Europe
Events Manager, Sarah Ongarello.
Australian captain, Tom Rischbieth, on participating in his third Anzac Cup states, “The Anzac Cup is a special event because of the way it has used sport to connect people from Australia and France without shared past. The events in Villers-Bretonneux during the First World War were significant for both countries, and the Anzac Cup has become an event through which that story can be shared with a new generation who are otherwise becoming less connected with those times. It has also been an absolute joy seeing how much the French men and women love their footy, and take it seriously! They’ll be a big challenge for both Australian sides. “
“O’Neills Irish International Sports Company Limited are proud to sponsor the prestigious 2016 Anzac Cup in Villers-Bretonneux, France. O’Neills Managing Director, Kieran Kennedy commented, “When Megan Hession, CEO of AFL Europe, approached us to be the main sponsor of the Australian Spirit team we were delighted to get involved. One of our key strategic business objectives is to supply AFL merchandise directly from our newly opened sales office in Adelaide, Australia and the Anzac Cup is a perfect opportunity for us to showcase our kit to the international Australian Football Community.
