South Africa national Australian rules football team

South Africa
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s)The Lions
Governing bodyAFL South Africa
Rankings
CurrentSteady 9th (as of October 2022[1])
First international
New Zealand New Zealand 163 – 1 South Africa South Africa (2002)[2]
International Cup
Appearances6 (first in 2002)
Best result3rd (2008)
South Africa lining up for national anthem before a match against Ireland during a final in the 2008 AFIC

The South African national Australian rules football team, nicknamed the Lions, represent South Africa in the sport of Australian rules football.

The senior side represents the best South African born and developed players as selected from clubs and leagues of AFL South Africa.

South Africa had its international debut at the 2002 Australian Football International Cup but the inexperienced team went through the tournament winless. It registered its first international win in the 2005 Australian Football International Cup against Japan. Between 2007 and 2010, through significant development funding and reciprocal tours, South Africa competed annually against the AFL Academy (Australia's Under 17 team) and against numerous touring amateur teams from Australia. This resulted in a dramatic improvement at senior level, with South Africa achieving its best result, 3rd overall in the 2008 AFIC.

  1. ^ "World Footy News World Rankings post 2022 European Championships - World Footy News".
  2. ^ "Men's World Rankings Matches - World Footy News".