The AFL today announced the venues and match dates for the two-test Virgin Australia International Rules Series to be played later this year.
At media conferences in Adelaide and Perth today, it was confirmed that Australia would host Ireland at the Adelaide Oval on Sunday November 12 (3.30pm ACDT/ 4pm AEDT) and then at Domain Stadium on Saturday November 18 (4.45pm AWST/ 7.45pm AEDT).
Both matches will be broadcast national on the Seven Network and Seven Mate.
Ireland currently holds the Cormac McAnnellen Trophy after its victory in the one-off Test at Croke Park in Dublin in 2015.
The AFL had previously announced that Geelong Cats’ premiership coach Chris Scott would lead Australia as coach, with Fremantle coach Ross Lyon and North Melbourne coach Brad Scott to serve at his assistants.
Lyon, speaking at the media conference in Perth, confirmed that the Australian selection panel would retain its focus on only selecting players who had been an All Australian at some point in their career. Lyon was joined in Perth by Nat Fyfe (2014-15 All Australian) and Andrew Gaff (2015 All Australian) while Rory Sloane (2016 All Australian) and Robbie Gray (2014-15 All Australian) were present at the Adelaide Oval announcement.
The coaching panel has currently been determining the availability of players for this year’s series with selection to be concluded in early October after the Grand Final. The Australian team will gather in Adelaide on November 9 in the lead-up to the first Test match.
Virgin Australia CMO Inese Kingsmill said the series promised much after last being played in Australia in 2014 when a star-studded Australian team had won in Perth, led by Joel Selwood, Luke Hodge and Nick Riewoldt.
“Virgin Australia is delighted to partner with the AFL to bring together the absolute best of the AFL competition together under the Australian banner and bring international talent to our shores.
“With only Virgin Australia AFL All Australian players eligible for selection we wish the Australian selection panel and players the best of luck in preparing for the series.
“It’s a spectacle like no other and we urge all fans to get behind the all-star team with tickets on sale from now on AFL Travel,” Ms Kingsmill said.
