AFL travel to Ireland for talks with GAA on player recruitment and International Rules

The discussion centred on how AFL clubs recruit players and the safeguards around that process

HEADING DOWN UNDER: Donegal's Finnbarr Roarty gets away from Meath's Ciarán Caulfield. Picture: INPHO/Tom O’Hanlon

Thu, 15 Oct, 2026 - 12:40

Maurice Brosnan

Representatives from the AFL travelled to Ireland this week for talks with the GAA on the return of the International Rules series and the recruitment of Irish players.

According to the AFL website, AFL chief operating officer Tom Harley, executive general manager of football Greg Swann and general manager of operations Tristan Salter met with president Jarlath Burns, director general Tom Ryan and director of player, club and games administration Feargal McGill during the week.

There has been an increased focus on player recruitment recently. It was reported this week that Donegal’s Finnbarr Roarty had signed for Collingwood. Kobe McDonald has just joined St Kilda, and Ireland U20 full-back and former Dublin minor Noah Byrne is set to join AFL club Brisbane Lions.

The discussion centred on how AFL clubs recruit players and the safeguards around that process.

"It was an extremely valuable and constructive meeting and reinforced just how strong the relationship is between the AFL and the GAA," Harley said.

We have enormous respect for the GAA and it was important for us to sit down together in person, understand each other's perspectives and work through the opportunities and challenges in a really open way.

"There is a genuine desire on both sides to continue strengthening the relationship, particularly around supporting Irish players pursuing opportunities in Australia, and we're excited about what further collaboration between our two organisations could look like."

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There is a growing focus on Irish players making the move to Australia following recent signings and trial sessions. Carlow’s John Phiri will travel with Kerry’s Evan Boyle for a trial with Richmond in the coming weeks.

The revival of the hybrid International Rules has been an ongoing discussion. It has not been played at men’s level since 2017. The GAA’s willingness to resurrect the series is contingent on a more regulated recruitment process.

The AFL cohort also met with Ladies Gaelic Football Association CEO Lynn Savage to discuss how the two organisations could work together.