Croke Park to host International Rules Test in November

Tue, 17th March 2015

The GAA and the AFL can confirm that Ireland will host Australia in a one-test 2015 International Rules Series at Croke Park in Dublin on Saturday, November 21.

The 2015 series comes on the back of last year’s successful meeting between the two countries in Perth, which Australia won.

Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Aogán Ó Fearghail said: “We are pleased to confirm details of this year’s series involving Ireland and Australia following on from last year’s competitive encounter in Perth.

“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.”

AFL Chief Executive Gillon McLachlan said the AFL was delighted to return to Ireland and would do so with the same approach used in last year’s Test match in Perth, with only All Australian players eligible for selection as part of the tour party.

“Australian and Irish fans want to see a spectacular and competitive contest played between the most talented AFL players and Ireland’s best Gaelic footballers,” Mr McLachlan said.

“It is extremely important that the Australian team give the best possible account of itself, as we did last year, and the players who were part of that squad will be given the opportunity to play again, under the leadership of the coaching panel of Alastair Clarkson, Ross Lyon and Chris Scott.

“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,” he said.