HEREFORDSHIRE sportsman Henry Simpson has set his sights on performing at next year's inaugural Australian Rules Football World Cup.

The rough-and-tumble sport came to the UK about 10 years ago and captured the imagination of rugby-playing Simpson.

A senior member of the Great Britain squad, he is expected to be picked for the trip to the sport's spiritual home in August.

Twenty-eight-year-old Simpson, who was brought up in Eardisland, has just represented Great Britain at the five-nation Alliance Cup in London.

The market data IT consultant's tournament was cut short, however, when he suffered a knee injury against Canada, only two games into Great Britain's four-match campaign.

"I think we have a fair chance of winning the World Cup," said Simpson. "We did well in the Alliance Cup, finishing third after beating Canada and Denmark.

"Denmark hammered us last year, and we managed to beat them, so we are very pleased with our progress. Denmark actually made it to the final where they were beaten by Ireland."

Simpson's career in the sport began when a friend saw an advertisement for the Wandsworth Demons at a gym in London, where he now lives and works.

The club play in the British Australian Rules Football League, which is mainly based around London, and from there Simpson caught the eye of the international selectors.

At 6ft 4, Simpson is well equipped for the physical, 18-man per side sport and plays in the forward line and the ruck.

He has even represented the sport as a walk-on guest on the BBC TV show 'They Think It's All Over'.

Referring to the World Cup, he said: "My chances of making the trip are pretty good, and I am feeling positive about it.

"I have spent a couple of years in the Great Britain squad now and I have played about six times."

Although the competition will be based in Melbourne, Australia are not actually be fielding a team.

Simpson has played rugby as a second row, flanker and centre for Luctonians, where he has been involved with the 2nd, 3rd and 4th teams.