AUSTRALIA’s rugby superstars have been asked to consider pay cuts and cheaper hotel rooms as part of a wide-ranging strategy to improve the finances of the Australian Rugby Union.

Coca-Cola Bottlers Ireland have confirmed to the GAA that they are not continuing as sponsor for the International Rules Series in Ireland or the Irish International Rules Team in 2009.

THE Irish International Rules team will play the Australian Gaelic football champions, New South Wales GAA, in Sydney in addition to their clashes with the cream of Australian Rules in the international series itself.

Armagh's 2002 All-Ireland winning captain Kieran McGeeney has announced his retirement from inter-county football in the wake of Joe Kernan's decision to step down as manager of the Orchard county.

Derry defender Sean Marty Lockhart believes that a good run through the All-Ireland qualifiers will not satisfy the players, management or supporters this season as the Oak Leafers strive for a first All-Ireland success since 1993.

Former Meath supremo Sean Boylan spoke of the 'huge honour' of being asked to manage the Irish International Rules team at his official appointment this afternoon.

Pete McGrath, manager of the Irish International Rules team, has defended his decision to call Cork hurler Sean Óg Ó hAilpín into his squad.

Laois football manager and Kerry legend Mick O'Dwyer will not close the door on the possibility of managing the Irish International Rules team.

The new manager of the Irish International Rules team will be named today with a string of highly regarded managers all in contention.

John O'Keeffe, manager of the Irish International Rules team, has announced his panel for the forthcoming Test Series against Australia in Croke Park on October 13 and 20.