International Rules Series returns in October

The 2010 International Rules Series has been confirmed for October this year, the GAA and the Australian Football League (AFL) announced today.

Announcing the series' two Tests, GAA President Christy Cooney said: "I am delighted to confirm that the 2010 International Rules Series will be played in Limerick on October 23 and at Croke Park on October 20 It should be a great series."

GAA Director General Páraic Duffy and AFL Chief Executive Andrew Demetriou have been in contact on a number of occasions since the New Year and the two organisations have agreed to resume the series in October.

Duffy commented: "We are delighted that the Australians are back in Ireland to play this year and we are all looking forward to an enjoyable two games in October.

"Each player deems it a great honour to put on an Irish jersey in an international setting and values the experience of playing with players from other counties."

The series was not played in 2009 after the impact of the world economic situation early last year prompted the AFL to ask the GAA to agree to defer the series for 12 months.

AFL boss Demetriou said the decision to postpone the series for 12 months had been a difficult decision to make and he was delighted that Australia would now be able to return to Ireland in a bid to regain the Cormac McAnallen trophy, which was won by Ireland in 2008.

"The series between Australia and Ireland has drawn tremendous crowds in both countries and players from both codes have appreciated the chance they get to represent their country at international level," explained Demetriou.

"The Irish team was too strong for us when we last met on Australian soil at the end of 2008, and Mick Malthouse and his coaching staff are eager to test ourselves on Irish soil in a bid to square the ledger once more."

Since the hybrid game between Ireland and Australia resumed in 1999, the two countries have played 10 series with both teams winning five apiece. Ireland holds a 10-8 advantage, with two draws, from the 20 Test matches played.