The AFL and the GAA today confirmed that Australia will play Ireland in a one-Test 2014 International Rules Series to be played at Patersons Stadium in Perth on Saturday 22 November.

Australia will be represented by only the most talented AFL players and officials, with the line-up limited to individuals who have been honoured with selection in the All Australian squad during their careers.

The Australian team will be coached by current All Australian and Hawthorn premiership coach Alastair Clarkson.  The team will also be represented by Eddie McGuire who has been appointed Chef de Mission for the Test.

A number of high profile players have been involved in shaping the format for this year’s Series and aspire to compete alongside the very best players in the AFL competition. They include Travis Boak, Patrick Dangerfield, Darren Glass, Luke Hodge, Steve Johnson, Nic Naitanui, Scott Pendlebury, Nick Riewoldt, Joel Selwood and Jobe Watson.

The AFL and GAA also confirmed that discussions were well-advanced around modifications to the IRS rules to allow for a broader range of AFL player types to be able to compete successfully.

AFL General Manager, Football Operations, Mark Evans said the AFL remained committed to the IRS concept and was keen to revitalise interest in the Series by ensuring it involved the best AFL players available, competing under rules that suited all players.

“Australian and Irish fans want to see a spectacular and competitive contest played between the most talented AFL players and Ireland’s best Gaelic footballers,” Mr Evans said.

“We are determined to restore the prestige and popularity of the International Rules Series between Australia and Ireland.

“The AFL and GAA continue to believe the IRS is an important opportunity for players from both codes to be recognised for their elite talent by receiving the honour of representing their country.”

He said the AFL acknowledged previous difficulties in fielding the best Australian side due to the timing of the Series and the unavailability of many of the competition’s most talented and exciting players.

“Ireland’s players have proved extremely keen and competitive in recent times and so we simply cannot afford to put forward anyone less than the AFL’s best players.

“By limiting selection to All Australian players, by scheduling the Test later in the year at the end of most players’ leave, and by amending the rules we believe we will field a strong and competitive Australian side that will re-establish the event’s standing in the eyes of fans,” Mr Evans said.

“The calibre of AFL players and officials involved is clearly a vital component and the early personal commitment and enthusiasm of so many of the competition’s big names augurs well for the future of the Series.

“We have worked hard with the players to get this right, and if successful, it may well be the blueprint for the International Rules Series going forward.”

Mr Evans said the AFL was confident of attracting a big crowd to Patersons Stadium as well as a strong television audience to see the competition’s best known players line up together to win back the Cormac McAnallen Trophy after Ireland’s domination of the past two Series.

“The AFL is honoured that reigning All Australian and premiership coach Alastair Clarkson has agreed to coach the Australian team, and that Collingwood President Eddie McGuire is also onboard to promote the Test and rally support as Chef de Mission for the Tour,” he said.

“Their support is indicative that the concept of the International Rules Series remains very much alive and that Australia is in it to win it.”

President of the GAA, Mr Liam O’Neill said the one sided nature of recent Series had negatively affected attendances and general public interest, but that a date in late November would assist enormously with player availability.

“With the best players from each country going head to head, I’m confident the sporting public will react positively,” Mr O’Neill said.

“A sell-out crowd in November and a competitive contest that engages attendance would certainly give us something to build on for the future.”

Mr O’Neill restated his belief that the international game provided a vital outlet and recognition for the best footballers from both codes.

He said Ireland would be seeking to play a warm-up game in Australia ahead of the Test game and that Paul Earley will again be in charge of the Irish Team, with his backroom team including Tony Scullion (Derry), Seamus Mc Carthy (Tipperary), Jarlath Fallon (Galway) and Nicholas Walsh (Cavan/GWS Giants).