Two years ago, it appeared that the international rules concept was dying.
But now, after two engaging and competitive tests in 2014 and 2015, the talk is of expansion.
Speaking in New York last week, the Australian coach Alastair Clarkson tabled the possibility that a US team be invited to competed in a three way series.
He alluded to the huge Irish community in New York and spoke about perhaps holding a test in the US over the next couple of years, ultimately with a view to reaching the stage that a US based team could compete in a mini tournament.
Administrators within the GAA and the AFL are committed to further exploration. Paraic Duffy and Aogan O'Fearghail met with AFL chief Gillon McLachlan and the prospect of staging the 2016 match in New York was discussed.
Duffy says a New York test in 2016 is a distinct possibility.
We’re exploring the possibility of staging a game in New York next October and then going back to Australia the following year.
Finding a venue is the real question because there is no doubt we will attract an attendance with the Australian and Irish Diaspora over there. The Australians are enthusiastic about it and we are keen.We’re not interested in downsizing a game like has been done with the hurling (Super 11s). We’ve agreed to look into it and if it doesn’t work the game will be in Australia.
Not only that but Duffy asserted that a return to the two test series was likely over the coming seasons. Those who recall the listlessness that accompanied the 2013 series will be surprised by the new mood of optimism surrounding the compromised rules concept.
[Irish Examiner]
