GAA confirm single International Rules Test for November

Ireland and Australia will play solitary game at Croke Park on November 21st

The GAA and AFL have confirmed Ireland will face Australia in a single-test Internaional Rules series in Dublin in November. Photograph: Inpho
The GAA and AFL have confirmed Ireland will face Australia in a single-test Internaional Rules series in Dublin in November. Photograph: Inpho

International Rules lives on after the GAA and AFL confirmed Ireland will host Australia in a single Test match at Croke Park on November 21st. It follows last year's solitary Test match in Perth which the hosts won 56-46.

GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghail said: "We are confident that the Irish public will turn out in large numbers to see the best of the two codes compete for the Cormac McAnallen Cup and we welcome Australia's commitment to the series and their decision to once again select All Australian players for the game."

GAA Director General Páraic Duffy added: "We look forward to welcoming the visiting AFL delegation to Ireland and I've no doubt they will be afforded the same warm welcome as previous years as they prepare for what is sure to be a competitive Test.

“The success of last year’s one-Test series has prompted us to continue with this format for 2015 with a view to re-igniting interest in the cross-code game in Ireland.”

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Whereas last year the Australia side was made up from current All Australians, this year the coaching panel will be able to pick All Australians from previous years.

AFL chief executive Gillon McClachlan said: “Those players who may not be able to join us post-season will only be replaced by someone who has earned All Australian selection through his AFL career as we remain determined to ensure the prestige and popularity of the International Rules Series between Australia and Ireland.”