Australian hard man ruled out

Australian hard man Jason Akermanis has been ruled out of this month's International Rules tests with Ireland on October 13 and 20 at Croke Park.

Irish fans had been waiting with baited breath to see Akermanis and Tyrone terrier Peter Canavan square up to each other again after their public bust up in 2000.

However, Canavan is out because of club commitments and a hand injury has forced Akermanis to pull out too.

Cameron Ling has been called up to replace the Brisbane player.