Phuket to host 2026 Cigna Healthcare Andaman Cup on 24 October

The annual Cigna Healthcare Andaman Cup Australian Rules Football Masters tournament will take place at the Alan Cooke Ground (ACG) Sports Ground in Phuket on Saturday, 24 October 2026, with kick-off at 9am.

Phuket Power will be led by Andrew McMillan and Joshua Linthorne, with backing from Neil Quail and the ACG Sporting Complex and support from the Phuket Vagabonds RFC. The team has also recruited Ben Smith, the reigning All-Asia AFL Champion, defensive player Cillian O’Neill and Billy Costoglou, whose match-winning goal helped the Thailand Tigers win last year’s championship.

The Thailand Tigers return as defending champions after their 2025 victory. The Bali Geckos, who have competed in the tournament since its early years, will bring further experience, while the Singapore Sharks are expected to add pace to the competition.

The Southern Slugs from South Australia could also make their debut. If confirmed, they would be the first Australian team to compete in the Andaman Cup.

The tournament will feature an over-35s men’s division, with 12-a-side teams playing two 12-minute halves. Cigna Healthcare is joining as the event’s major sponsor for the first time. Other sponsors include Angsana Laguna Phuket, Lady Pie and Thai Expat Club.

The Phuket News has supported the Cup since its inception six years ago through print and online coverage. Organisers have invited players, families and fans to attend the event, which is open to all.