From Rugby to the AFL

[Sojourner]

I thought this was an interesting article and a situation that could set an interesting precedent if it happens to work out for the Swans!

Sydney Swans list Canadian rugby player Michael Pyke

Peter Kogoy
Article from:  The Australian

MICHAEL Pyke has represented his native Canada and played professional rugby union in Scotland and France.

Now Pyke, 24, is about to take his first steps on the road to what he hopes will lead to a senior football career with the Sydney Swans.

As of today, the Canadian, who scored an 80m intercept try against the All Blacks in a lead-up match to the 2007 World Cup, has been officially told he will be listed as the Sydney club's international rookie.

He doesn't actually become a Swan until December 16 when all clubs must submit to the AFL their rookies list.

Pyke was granted a two-week trial with the Swans in August but will today attend his first official training session with his new team-mates.

And should Pyke make the grade in the next two years, he'll be able to thank former Hawthorn premiership player and Swans ruckman Michael Byrne for helping him along the way.

Byrne played senior football with Melbourne, Hawthorn and the Swans before turning his hand to coaching rugby in Scotland, South Africa and more recently New Zealand.

"Pyke met Michael (Byrne) a few years ago in Edinburgh while he was on the coaching staff of the Scottish national rugby side and taught him the rudiments of kicking a Sherrin," Swans football operations manager Andrew Ireland said last night.

"I suppose it is a bit of a gamble taking on someone of Michael's age and never having played the game, but the club thinks it's a good move.

"His height (200cm) and athleticism are suited to the ruck."

Pyke showed enough in a two-week trial to warrant being put on the rookie list.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/st ... 32,00.html

[Rik E Boy]

In other words one to stay away from when you are compiling your DT and SC squads for the year.

regards,

REB