GAA in talks to limit numbers leaving Ireland for AFL - report

The GAA is seeking to restrict the number of players who can be signed from each county

Mayo All-Ireland winner Kobe McDonald is set to move to Australia in the next fortnight. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

The GAA and AFL have reportedly held discussions about introducing measures to limit the number of players departing Ireland for Aussie rules.

According to a report on the  AFL's official website, the GAA has "flagged different rules to limit their best young talents being poached by AFL clubs". Those include capping the number of players who can be signed from each county. 

They have also sought to restrict how players are contacted by AFL clubs with a preference for approaches being made through official channels rather than individuals being contacted directly.

There are 14 Irish players at AFL clubs this season with Kobe McDonald set to join their ranks. The Mayo All-Ireland winner has signed a three-year deal with St Kilda. McDonald is expected to land in Melbourne within the next fortnight, with his parents moving with him. 

At St Kilda, he will join Meath's Eamonn Armstrong and Cork's Liam O'Connell. He will become the second current Mayo player on an AFL list, alongside Geelong's Oisín Mullin. 

Kerry, represented by Mark O'Connor, Cillian Burke, Rob Monahan, and Ben Murphy, is the county with the most players in the AFL. 

It is also said that the GAA and AFL are in talks regarding a return for the International Rules series in 2027. However, that is far from certain due to the AFL's immediate priority being to settle on a structure for its 2028 season. The series was last played in 2017. 

An Irish women's team is set to face Australia in the inaugural AFLW international on Saturday at North Sydney Oval. The game, which has sold out, will be played under Australian rules with a Sherrin football. 

There are currently 44 active Irish players in the women's game Down Under.