International Rules games return

Violence was a regular feature of the 2006 Second Test

The GAA and the AFL have confirmed that the International series is to return with a two-game series between Ireland and Australia taking place in October.

The fixtures will take place in Perth on 24 October and Melbourne on 31 October but the details of the stadiums to be used have yet to be confirmed.

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

The organisations then met to agree new guidelines for the matches.

Last week, the GAA said that it would give the AFL "a few more days" to finalise arrangements for the International Rules series Down Under later this year.

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

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

The AFL had said that it was close to finalising venues and logistics for both Tests.

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

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