New rules set to reduce GAA exports Down Under

AN Irish AFL agent has admitted the GAA have succeeded in making the recruitment of young Irish players to Australian Rules clubs more difficult.

Dubliner Clara McCormack, one of only six female AFL-accredited agents who now works with Titan Management after leaving Ricky Nixon’s Flying Start earlier this year, believes the new rules adopted by the AFL following talks with the GAA makes it riskier for clubs to wager on Gaelic footballers. “The rules have changed and it’s harder for Irish guys to come over now,” said Melbourne-based agent McCormack. “They used to be able to be signed as international rookies and they still can be if they’re playing in Ireland but if they play here in Australia for three months plus (in a development year) they’re considered Australian players.

“There are only eight rookie spots so a club would be taking a big risk going for an Irish guy who could leave the country for one reason or another over a not so good Australian player who has lived here all their lives.