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THE Sydney Swans have signed 24-year-old Canadian international rugby player Mike Pyke to their rookie list for next season.
No seriously. The Swans have given Pyke a two-year contract and believe his has the potential to make the transition to Australian Rules football.
The Canadian star fullback is best remembered in international rugby circles for his amazing 80 metre intercept try against the All Blacks in a lead up match to the 2007 World Cup.
Pyke decided to give Aussie Rules a go after a mate Down Under told him he'd be a natural and after put together a DVD showcasing his rugby highlights and finding himself an agent he attracted interest from the Swans.
Hailing from Victoria in British Columbia, Pyke has 17 Test caps for Canada and has just finished playing for French club Montauban.
Sydney coach Paul Roos admits it's a gamble but one worth taking given Pyke's impressive athleticism that goes with his 200cm frame.
"He knows it's an experiment and we are prepared to take the risk because he is such a good athlete,'' Roos said.
"I've seen a lot of athletes come and go in AFL football and if to take the football component out of it he's as good an athlete that's come through if you look at his size and speed and his endurance if better than we thought after doing a pretty good 3km time trial.
"Clearly he needs to be a great athlete just to give himself a chance. The question is can he change to a different code he's never played and can he adapt to the skills.''
Hope he fairs well. I just might become a Swans fan with HOH.
No seriously. The Swans have given Pyke a two-year contract and believe his has the potential to make the transition to Australian Rules football.
The Canadian star fullback is best remembered in international rugby circles for his amazing 80 metre intercept try against the All Blacks in a lead up match to the 2007 World Cup.
Pyke decided to give Aussie Rules a go after a mate Down Under told him he'd be a natural and after put together a DVD showcasing his rugby highlights and finding himself an agent he attracted interest from the Swans.
Hailing from Victoria in British Columbia, Pyke has 17 Test caps for Canada and has just finished playing for French club Montauban.
Sydney coach Paul Roos admits it's a gamble but one worth taking given Pyke's impressive athleticism that goes with his 200cm frame.
"He knows it's an experiment and we are prepared to take the risk because he is such a good athlete,'' Roos said.
"I've seen a lot of athletes come and go in AFL football and if to take the football component out of it he's as good an athlete that's come through if you look at his size and speed and his endurance if better than we thought after doing a pretty good 3km time trial.
"Clearly he needs to be a great athlete just to give himself a chance. The question is can he change to a different code he's never played and can he adapt to the skills.''
Hope he fairs well. I just might become a Swans fan with HOH.
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