The Gaelic Players Association (GPA) and their Aussie Rules counterparts, the AFL Players Association (AFLPA), have announced a player transition agreement to assist Irish players returning after a period in the Australian Football League.

Armagh forward Steven McDonnell has been announced as the Ireland captain for the 2010 International Rules Series, with team manager Anthony Tohill also confirming a 22-man squad for this month's two Tests against Australia.

WITH another former Cork minor star making some serious waves across the Tasman Sea, Tomás O’Leary is out to strike another blow for the Rebel alumni in New Zealand this weekend.

The GAA have been shocked by the news that, in the year of their 125th anniversary celebrations, the Australian Football League (AFL) have pulled the plug on the International Rules series for 2009 due to the economic crisis.

Australian Football League bosses are meeting today in Australia for last-minute discussions over the staging of the International Rules series this October.

Australian Football League scouts are continuing their active recruitment in Ireland with talent spotters present in Carlow at the weekend - keeping an eye on students playing in the Higher Education Football championships.

GAA president Nickey Brennan is still waiting for a response from the Australian Football League (AFL) in relation to a meeting on the future of the International Rules series, it has emerged.

KERRY native Tadhg Kennelly last night helped the Sydney Swans into their second consecutive Grand Final of the Australian Football League — the first time the club have achieved back to back decider appearances since 1936.

THE GAA will not hesitate to break off contact with the Australian Football League if there is a repeat next year of the thuggery witnessed in the second test in the Telstra Dome at the week-end — specifically when Australian captain Chris Johnson struck three Irish players in quick succession.

Cork's Seán Óg Ó hAilpín has confirmed he has no plans to join his younger brother Setanta in the Australian Football League just yet.

GAA chiefs have moved quickly to respond to comments made by motormouth TV pundit Pat Spillane who slammed the association for failing to hold onto its best talents.