Sports Ireland could soon have a major crossover event back on the calendar, with the International Rules Series reportedly moving towards a return in 2027. The proposed revival would bring Australia’s AFL stars to Ireland for the first series on these shores in more than a decade.
International Rules could return to Ireland in 2027
Talks between the GAA and the Australian Football League have reportedly made significant progress, with a two-part series now being discussed. Ireland would host the opening fixtures in 2027 before travelling to Australia for a return series in 2028.
The latest developments followed a visit to Croke Park by a senior AFL delegation. AFL chief operating officer Tom Harley, football boss Greg Swann and operations chief Tristan Salter met GAA president Jarlath Burns, director general Tom Ryan and Feargal McGill during the Dublin discussions.
While no formal announcement has been made, the meetings have raised hopes that International Rules can finally return after a long period of uncertainty. For Irish supporters, it would represent one of the most unusual and entertaining additions to the GAA calendar.
A hybrid code with a long history
International Rules combines Gaelic football and Australian Rules football. The contest is played with a round ball on a rectangular pitch, while the rules include features from both codes, such as the Australian mark and more physical tackling than is permitted in Gaelic football.
The first official series was staged in Ireland in 1984. Although the competition was paused after 1990, it returned in 1998 and continued regularly for several years. The series was later interrupted following controversy surrounding the 2006 meeting at Croke Park and became an occasional event.
The most recent series took place in Australia in 2017. Australia won both tests, securing the overall series by a combined score of 116-103. Ireland’s Conor McManus was named player of the series, while the all-time honours remain evenly split at ten series victories apiece.
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Irish AFL players could shape the next series
A potential 2027 return would arrive at an interesting time, with a growing group of Irish players established in the AFL. Their experience could be central to Ireland’s preparations and would add a strong storyline to the next chapter of the rivalry.
Mayo teenager Kobe McDonald is among the most intriguing names. He helped Mayo end a 75-year wait for the Sam Maguire Cup against Kerry before joining St Kilda as a Category B rookie. His move also carries family significance, as his father, Ciaran, represented Ireland in International Rules during the mid-2000s.
McDonald is joined at St Kilda by Cork’s Liam O’Connell and Meath’s Eamonn Armstrong. Tyrone’s Conor McKenna recently claimed a second premiership with Brisbane, where he plays alongside Darragh Joyce and Kerry’s Ben Murphy.
Other players who could come into contention include Geelong’s OisÃn Mullin and Mark O’Connor, as well as Hawthorn’s Conor Nash. Irish players such as Zach Tuohy and Pearce Hanley also featured in the 2017 series, providing a recent link between the GAA and AFL pathways.
Recruitment and recognition also on the agenda
The discussions in Dublin were not limited to reviving the fixtures. The GAA and AFL also examined potential protocols governing the recruitment of Irish players by Australian clubs.
The GAA is understood to want greater recognition for the clubs and counties that help develop players who later build lengthy AFL careers. That issue has become increasingly important as more young Irish footballers explore professional opportunities in Australia.
A clearer framework could help protect the relationship between county GAA, local clubs and the AFL while giving talented players a more transparent route into the Australian game.
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Why a 2027 return would matter
The series has previously been affected by poor crowds, player welfare concerns and scheduling difficulties. A planned 2020 visit to Ireland was cancelled during the Covid-19 pandemic, while a proposed 2022 trip to Australia also failed to go ahead. A possible 2026 comeback was shelved earlier this year as both organisations turned their attention to 2027.
A successful return would give supporters a rare chance to see elite Gaelic footballers and AFL professionals share the same field. It could also strengthen links between two sporting communities that have long exchanged players and ideas.
For the GAA, the challenge will be balancing the spectacle with player safety and a credible competitive structure. For the AFL, the series offers an opportunity to showcase its international connections while maintaining a pathway for Irish talent.
What happens next?
The immediate focus will be on finalising the schedule, playing conditions and player-selection arrangements. Until both organisations confirm the details, the proposed 2027 series remains subject to agreement.
However, the latest talks suggest the International Rules rivalry is closer to returning than it has been in years. If the plans are completed, Irish supporters could be watching a fresh generation of GAA and AFL stars meet at Croke Park in 2027.
Article/Image Courtesy: Balls.ie
