International Rules

An exhilarating mix of Gaelic and Australian Rules football, the compromise rules series of games between the two nations has provided action-packed contests over the years.

A showcase event for both codes, it has raised the profile of both disciplines and gives both sets of players, the opportunity to represent their countries and disciplines internationally.

A brief introduction to International Rules

International Rules is a hybrid between the two sports and the rules borrow from both, with Gaelic football players benefiting from the use of a regulation Gaelic football and traditional rectangular pitch (the Australian code uses an oval ball more akin to a rugby or American football and is played on an oval field). One of the key tackling components carried over from the Australian Rules code, allows players to tackle between the shoulders and thighs. This is something which the Irish players need to familiarise themselves with in the lead up to the series, as this type of tackling is not permitted in Gaelic football.

The game also carries over the mark from Australian Rules football, which gives the receiving player the opportunity to pause if they wish and take a free kick, if he catches/controls a ball kicked a distance of at least 15 metres by another player.