Brennan: ‘seismic’ change in Aussie attitude saved Rules Series

GAA President Nickey Brennan revealed a ‘‘seismic’’ change in the Australian attitude towards discipline saved the International Rules Series.

The concept, marred by violence in 2005 and 2006, will resume in October after AFL chiefs and their Irish counterparts agreed a tough new disciplinary package which will mean suspensions incurred during the two test competition carry over into domestic competition.

“I think it is pretty unprecedented that we managed to get penalties applied in the respective codes. It’s a question now of those who will partake in the series doing so in the appropriate spirit,’’ said Brennan, echoing a comment made by Sean Boylan, who will again take charge of the Irish team.

Agreeing there was a desire on the part of the players to engage in international competition, especially after the rugby and soccer games played in Croke Park, the former Meath boss said: “There can be no more thuggery. It has to be played in the proper spirit and if it is it’s a great game.’’

Brennan said he agreed to re-open discussions with the AFL because of the encouragement he had received from management and players.

“We also got a feedback from the public that it was a series worth pursuing and I felt there was sufficient support to at least re-engage and develop a document. We worked very hard at that and when we came back from Dubai a lot of people were surprised by what we had achieved at that meeting. I think people probably felt that what was contained in the new regulations made it worth pursuing again.

“It received a strong endorsement from Central Council. Only eight voted against. It was fairly emphatic.”

Pointing out that he will be making contact with the AFL Chief Executive Andrew Dimitreiou in the next day or two to discuss the possibility of planning a tour this year, he accepted that for all the positive signals they have received they will have to await ‘the end result in action.’

“And I know people will still have concerns. It’s up to all of us if the series does go ahead that we live up to what’s in the document.’’

He added that the long-term future success of the series depends on having the ‘‘appropriate set of team officials in charge’’ and the willingness of both organisations to make it work. Satisfied there is ‘‘a strong willingness’’ at official level, he says that all remains now is to get the message across to the people in charge of the team managements ‘‘and to convey that to the players.’’