Aussies to select from the cream of the crop
April 23, 2014
Alastair Clarkson.
There was eyebrows raised in Ireland last year when Australia announced that they would field a team made up of indigenous players only and the decision backfired spectacularly on the tourists when they were totally out-classed by Paul Earley and his Irish team.
The AFL and the GAA today confirmed that Australia will play Ireland at Patersons Stadium in Perth and Evans said: "Australian and Irish fans want to see a spectacular and competitive contest played between the most talented AFL players and Ireland's best Gaelic footballers.
"We are determined to restore the prestige and popularity of the International Rules Series between Australia and Ireland.
"The AFL and GAA continue to believe the IRS is an important opportunity for players from both codes to be recognised for their elite talent by receiving the honour of representing their country."
He continued: "Ireland's players have proved extremely keen and competitive in recent times and so we simply cannot afford to put forward anyone less than the AFL's best players.
"By limiting selection to All-Australian players, by scheduling the Test later in the year at the end of most players' leave, and by amending the rules we believe we will field a strong and competitive Australian side that will re-establish the event's standing in the eyes of fans.
"The calibre of AFL players and officials involved is clearly a vital component and the early personal commitment and enthusiasm of so many of the competition's big names augurs well for the future of the Series.
"The immediate future of the International Rules Series between Australia and Ireland may well depend on the success of the 2014 Test in late November so we have a very clear intention of being highly competitive and securing a good win."
The Australian team will be coached by current All-Australian and Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson. Tweet
