The possible return of International Rules has created fresh excitement across sports Ireland, but it has also raised an important question: should GAA players receive payment if AFL stars are being paid to take part?
Reports from Australia suggest the hybrid series could return as early as 2027, with one or two matches potentially staged in Ireland before the action moves to Australia in 2028. While no final agreement has been announced, the prospect of seeing leading Gaelic footballers and Australian Rules players share the field again is already generating interest.
International Rules comeback could be close
The series has delivered memorable moments since its launch, combining elements of Gaelic football and Australian Rules in a fast, physical contest. A revival would give supporters in Ireland and Australia another opportunity to watch elite players compete outside their usual codes.
The proposed schedule would reportedly involve games in Ireland in 2027, followed by fixtures in Australia the following year. The format, squad selections and venues still need to be confirmed, but the discussions represent a significant step towards bringing the event back.
For the AFL, the series is also seen as a way to keep Australian football in the sporting conversation during a period when the National Rugby League attracts considerable attention. It may not be expected to generate huge direct profits, but it could help broaden the sport’s reach and maintain interest during the autumn calendar.
Why the reported AFL payment matters to GAA players
Australian players involved in the proposed series could reportedly receive between A$30,000 and A$40,000. Based on the exchange rate referenced in the original report, that would amount to roughly €18,700 to €25,000.
For an AFL player earning a professional salary, that figure would represent a useful bonus rather than a life-changing payment. However, the situation is very different for inter-county GAA players, who continue to compete within an amateur sporting structure.
That contrast is likely to make compensation one of the most closely watched issues if the event returns. GAA players commit substantial time to training, travel and preparation, yet they do not receive salaries for representing their counties.
- AFL players are professional athletes with club contracts.
- Inter-county GAA players operate within the Association’s amateur model.
- Any International Rules payment would need to be agreed before squads are selected.
- The final arrangement could influence player availability and participation.
Would equal payment be expected?
If AFL players receive a payment in the region of €25,000, it is understandable that GAA representatives would ask whether their own players should receive a comparable amount. That does not necessarily mean the amateur principles of the GAA would change, but it could require a specific agreement for participation in an international exhibition series.
The issue is not simply about the amount of money. It also concerns travel, insurance, preparation time, player welfare and the demands placed on athletes who may already have county or club commitments. Any agreement would need to provide clarity for players, counties and the wider GAA administration.
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What a revival would mean for Irish supporters
A return of International Rules would add another major event to the Irish sporting calendar. Supporters could see some of the country’s best Gaelic footballers tested against a different style, with speed, aerial skill and physical strength all playing a central role.
The series would also offer a rare international platform for GAA talent. Unlike the All-Ireland Championship, which is built around county rivalries and traditional competition, International Rules places Irish players in a combined team and asks them to adapt quickly to unfamiliar tactics.
That challenge has always been part of the appeal. The matches can be open, dramatic and difficult to predict, particularly when players from different football backgrounds meet under a shared set of rules.
The key questions still to be answered
Several details remain unresolved before supporters can plan for a confirmed return:
- Will the series definitely take place in 2027?
- How many matches will be played in Ireland?
- Which GAA and AFL players will be available?
- Will both sides receive comparable match payments?
- How will the games fit around county and club schedules?
These decisions will determine whether the comeback becomes a major sporting occasion or a more limited exhibition event.
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The next step for International Rules
The possible return of International Rules is welcome news for supporters who remember the intensity and unpredictability of previous series. It could also reopen a wider conversation about how inter-county players are recognised when they represent Ireland on an international stage.
Until the schedule, squads and payment arrangements are formally confirmed, the details remain uncertain. The immediate focus will be on negotiations between the relevant organisations and whether a workable agreement can be reached before 2027.
The biggest takeaway is clear: a revived series would create excitement, but the question of fair compensation for GAA players must be addressed before the first ball is thrown in.
Article/Image Courtesy: Balls.ie
