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Football

How bright is the International Rules series' future?

Off The Ball's Colm Parkinson, Ger Gilroy and Joe Molloy chatted about yesterday's announcement ...



How bright is the Internationa...
Football

How bright is the International Rules series' future?

Off The Ball's Colm Parkinson, Ger Gilroy and Joe Molloy chatted about yesterday's announcement which you can listen to above

This year's International Rules Series will feature just one Test match after the AFL and the GAA confirmed that Australia will host Ireland at Paterson's Stadium in Perth on Saturday, November 22nd.

With the future of the Series on the line, both sides agreed to a number of significant changes that are likely to make this year's Tour a much more competitive affair.

After the heavy defeats for the all-indigenous Australian side of last year, this year's Aussie team will be limited to individuals who have earned a place in the All Australian squad during their careers.

The AFL and GAA are also in advanced discussions about making changes to the rules that would allow for the involvement of a broader range of the AFL player types, such as the ruckmen who contest for the ball during restarts and after goals have been scored.

The decision to stage the game in late November is also likely to free up some Irish players after recent Tests have been dogged by clashes with club fixtures.

Paul Earley will remain in charge of the Irish team, with his backroom team including Derry's Tony Scullion, Seamus McCarthy of Tipperary, Galway legend Ja Fallon and Cavan's Nicholas Walsh.

The Australian team will be coached by current All Australian and Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson.

The AFL's General Manager for Football Operations, Mark Evans has admitted that "the immediate future of the International Rules Series may well depend on the success" of this year's Test.

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