GAA extends Rules series deadline

Violence was a regular feature of the 2006 Second Test

The GAA has said that it will give the AFL "a few more days" to finalise arrangements for an International Rules series Down Under later this year.

GAA director general Pauric Duffy last week warned the AFL they had only 10 days to confirm dates and venues before the plug was pulled on the series.

That deadline has expired but the GAA has opted to give the AFL more time.

The AFL has said that it is close to finalising venues and logistics for both Tests.

"The GAA has agreed to accede to the AFL request for a little more time and is hopeful that the series will resume in October and that relevant details can be announced by next Thursday," said a GAA statement on Friday.

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Croke Park has already made clear that it would not accept an AFL suggestion that this year's series might be reduced to one Test.

The AFL indicated that it was having difficulty securing venues for two games because of the Rugby League World Cup and high-profile cricket games.

The series scheduled for last year was cancelled following violence which marred the 2006 Tests in Ireland.