Padraic Joyce has welcomed the possible return of the International Rules series.

The series, which has been parked since 2017, could return later this year after GAA officials held talks with their AFL counterparts last week. And former Ireland skipper Joyce is all for its revival provided a suitable time slot in the GAA calendar can be found.

"It was a great chance for players to get out to Australia, to get the chance to play with all the players in the different counties," the Galway manager told RTÉ ahead of Sunday’s Connacht SFC opener in New York.

"I played with some brilliant players from all the counties. It's a great chance to mix with other top players. I can see the logistical part of the debate, but if it does return, I'll be glad it's back.

"I'm not sure about the timing of it when it's back because club championships and county finals are going to determine who plays, who doesn't play in it, who can train and prepare and who won’t be able to.

"You'd like your main players in the country to commit to it but again, it's not always logistically possible for them."

He added: "I’m sure some people might give out, but the GAA is a brilliant product at the minute and this is the only way we're going to get to represent our country at international level."

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