Sport

Rules series gets four-year extension

The International Rules project will continue for at least another four years

By SE┴N MORAN
Fri Oct 19 2001 - 01:00

The International Rules project will continue for at least another four years. This was announced at Football Park Adelaide yesterday by GAA president Seβn McCague and AFL Chief Executive Wayne Jackson. This means the series, revived in 1998, has been guaranteed a run of at least eight years.

"I'm delighted to announce a further agreement on the series' future," said McCague. "This will give it proper space to develop. We already have agreement in principle from Central Council and I'm confident they'll give it final approval."

McCague also said that the GAA would move to ensure the series got proper administrative support for the home series in Dublin. "We will be creating a space in the calendar. The main problem has been the All-Ireland football final replay but we will work around that and look at the possibility of a third test. But there will be a permanent slot on the calendar. And club and county fixtures will take cognisance of that."

Jackson said that the series had the full support of Australian players. "I think the clubs have accepted the game. I know players have. After each series we send a questionnaire to players and they come back forceful in support of the series."

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When the matter was raised, Jackson denied that the AFL had been looking at other international link-ups. "Nothing's ever been put to us and we are committed to making International Rules work."

The AFL Chief Executive also appeared to close the door on the Australian Rules State of Origin competition, a rough equivalent of the Railway Cup at home.

Replaying to a local question about it, he replied: "State of Origin might be something South Australia would like to see, but other states aren't so interested. Unlike State of Origin, International Rules is something the public has embraced."

Finally, television ratings for the first test in the MCG have been released. Last Friday's broadcast got a rating of 24, compared to 25 two years ago. It rated better than nine of the AFL's previous 13 Friday night broadcasts this season. Overall viewing figures were about 1.5 million.