Begley fails to win new contract

Colm Begley is facing an uncertain future in Australian Rules football after being let go by his club, the Brisbane Lions

Colm Begley is facing an uncertain future in Australian Rules football after being let go by his club, the Brisbane Lions. The 22-year-old, a key man for Ireland during last Friday's first International Rules test, will not have his contract with the Queensland outfit renewed.

Begley had played 29 times for the Lions since making the move from Co Laois in 2005 but endured a frustrating campaign this year as a quad injury limited him to just eight appearances.

And new coach Michael Voss has taken the decision to delist Begley as he prepares for the forthcoming season. A statement on the Brisbane website thanked Begly for his "contribution to the club".

Where he goes from here remains unclear but Begley could put himself forward for next month's draft in the hope of being picked up by another club.

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Ireland manager Sean Boylan, meanwhile, has injury concerns surrounding Benny Coulter (back), Aidan O'Mahony (hand) and Finian Hanley (chest) ahead of Friday's deciding test in Melbourne.

Ireland, who hold a slender one point advantage in the series, touched down in Melbourne earlier today having spent the last two days preparing on the Gold Coast.