International Rules Series Between Australia and Ireland to Return in 2027

The International Rules Series, featuring teams from Australia and Ireland, is scheduled to return in 2027 after a ten-year hiatus. The Australian Football League (AFL) and the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) are collaborating to bring back this exhibition series.

The series has not taken place since 2017, but plans are in motion for a match in Ireland next year, with Australia expected to host the following event in 2028. Interest in exhibition games has surged recently, partly due to the successful revival of State of Origin football.

Initially launched in the 1980s, the competition was held annually from 1998 to 2006. The GAA's Kerry County Board has urged the establishment of a compensation system for players transitioning to the AFL. The series began when Ron Barassi highlighted similarities between Australian Rules Football and Gaelic football, leading to increased participation from Irish players in the AFL.