Ireland to face Australia in AFLW international

Orla O'Dwyer and Jennifer Dunne of the Lions celebrate after the 2024 AFLW Second Preliminary Final with Adelaide Crows Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Ireland will face Australia in an AFLW representative game in North Sydney Oval on August 1.

An Irish team picked from the 46 Irish players currently on the books of AFLW teams will meet a native side in a contest played under Australian Football Rules.

The match takes place nine days before the start of the AFLW regular season. It will be broadcasted live around Australia on several platforms.

AFL Executive General Manager of AFLW, Health and Football Operations Laura Kane: “The inclusion of representative football in the AFLW calendar is a significant moment for our game and another example of continuing to be bold with AFLW, with the Australia versus Ireland match-up.

“The match will highlight not only the incredible depth of talent across the competition but will also serve as celebration of culture and how far the women’s game has come as we approach its eleventh season.

“To see the game’s biggest stars and emerging talent come together to represent their countries will be a truly special occasion and build plenty of excitement ahead of the 2026 AFLW season.” 

An attempt to revive the men’s International Rules series last year failed as the GAA could not agree with the AFL on a date outside the inter-county calendar. The last series took place in Australia in 2017.