Bolger and McNamee picked by BC Lions in CFL draft

Irishmen Mark McNamee [left] and Ross Bolger [right] have both been drafted by BC Lions

Irish kickers Ross Bolger and Mark McNamee have both been selected by the BC Lions in the CFL global draft.

Bolger was the fourth pick in the first round whilst McNamee was drafted in the second round by the Lions, who are based in Vancouver.

Laois native Bolger had a two-year College career at Idaho State as a kicker and punter after his talent was discovered and honed by the Irish kicking coach and mentor Tadhg Leader.

Wicklow man McNamee previously played goalkeeper for the Ballyboden St Enda's club in Dublin.

Both players were part of a six-strong group of specialist position players in the NFL's latest International Player Pathway programme this year.

The Irish duo impressed at the recent NFL Combine held in Indianapolis earlier this year, where McNamee was good for all but one of his kicks - and Bolger was successful in 12 of his allotted 14.

The CFL is the Canadian equivalent of the NFL in the USA and consists of nine teams, with the season starting in June and running through to October.