International Rules: one-game test mooted
April 18, 2014
Ireland coach Paul Earley stand's with his team for The National Anthem. INPHO
The International Rules Series could be reduced to a one-game Test in 2014.
The future of the hybrid games is under threat due to dwindling interest and a recent trend of very one-sided games, but one of the solutions being considered is to play just one game this year, which would take place in November instead of October.
The change of time and format would increase greatly the chances of the Australians having all their players available.
Ireland manager Paul Earley says the November date would probably suit both camps but adds that travelling all the way to Australia this winter for just one Test would not be ideal:
"My understanding is that the Australians are very serious about having a very strong team," he says in The Irish Independent.
"They have committed verbally to getting their best players available. That is the most important thing of all, because we want our best to play their best, that is what the public want to see.
"If it is a one-game series, so be it, it is not ideal by any means, you would expect it to be more than that.
"The top players want to play for their country. All you need to do is to be in the dressing-room before those games and you will see how much it means to them."
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