World Footy News

Queensland will host its first International Rules series match between Ireland and Australia at Metricon Stadium on the Gold Coast in November. The event is set to deliver a boost to the local tourism industry and reinforce the city's reputation as a world-class sporting events destination.

Sports Minister Phil Reeves made the announcement this morning with key AFL players and representatives from the Gold Coast Suns. "This means the second match in the two-match International Rules Series for the Cormac McAnallen trophy will be played right here at Metricon Stadium on November 4.

"It's the first time that an International Rules match has been played in our state so this is a coup for Queensland and the Gold Coast. "As we saw last weekend at Cazaly's Stadium in Cairns, with the inaugural Gold Coast Suns and Richmond Tigers premiership match for the region, Queenslanders are right behind their AFL from the Cape to Coolangatta.

"International Rules is a match involving the two codes of AFL and Gaelic Football and this one event is expected to draw crowds up to 25,000 to the match, many from interstate. "That is great news for Gold Coast tourism because it means interstate and international visitors in local hotels, supporting local business and local jobs - and it helps get the message out far and wide that Queensland is back in business." Mr Reeves said.

The match is supported by the Queensland Government through Events Queensland, and Gold Coast Tourism, and will be the latest addition to Queensland's dynamic and growing events calendar. AFL Chief Executive Mr Andrew Demetriou said he was delighted with the support of the Queensland Government and Events Queensland Events for a first-ever International Rules Test to be played in the state.

"I am delighted that the second Test in the 2011 IRS Series for the Cormac McAnallen Trophy will be played at Metricon Stadium and I want to thank the Queensland Government and Events Queensland for their determination to bring this match to the Gold Coast region," Mr Demetriou said.

"Since the stadium was opened this year for the Gold Coast Suns, Metricon Stadium has proved a wonderful venue for fans of our game and it will be a highlight of our year to see a deciding Test match between Australia and Ireland contested on our newest venue in front of passionate capacity Queensland crowd."

Gold Coast Suns CEO Travis Auld said: "We are excited that Metricon Stadium will host an International Rules Test Match between Australia and Ireland on November 4. "Thanks to the support of Events Queensland and Gold Coast Tourism, the Gold Coast will play host to the fast moving, hybrid game, that will have sports fans at Metricon Stadium on the edge of their seats.

"It's a perfect time of the year for us to host the match on the Gold Coast, and with the AFL's best players on show, it is a real reward for the Gold Coast community who have been fantastic in their support of their club in our first year in the AFL.

"This is a great outcome for our city with the event expected to deliver a much needed economic boost for local business." Mr Auld said. Páraic Duffy, Director General of the Gaelic Athletic Association, welcomed confirmation of the dates for this year's series tests and news of a return to the Etihad Stadium where the Irish team played in 2005.

Mr Duffy, Ireland's tour manager in 2001, said: "We are looking forward to returning to Australia later in the year with Anthony Tohill and his team and attempting to make amends for last year's series defeat to what was an impressive Australian team.

"We have many positive memories from previous visits to Australia and look forward to meeting our AFL counterparts both on and off the field of play around what will no doubt be two highly competitive fixtures," Mr Duffy said.

Parliamentary Secretary representing the Premier on the Gold Coast Peta-Kaye Croft said the event further highlighted the Gold Coast's reputation as a destination that was famous for fun.

"As we continue our effort to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast events like this showcase our first-class sporting infrastructure like Metricon Stadium and show that the Gold Coast is event ready in every way."

Gold Coast SUNS players Jared Brennan and Zac Smith have put their hands up to play in the Series this year.

"I've played for Australia in the International Rules Series before. It's a great event and I know the people of the Gold Coast will love it.

"Zac and I are hoping we're picked for the squad. It's a fast and exciting game and there will be a fantastic atmosphere here at Metricon," Brennan said.

Gold Coast Tourism CEO Martin Winter said the match would be a distinctive boost for the local industry.

"The Gold Coast has a proven track record in hosting major events and generating great spectator attendance, this unique event will be another example of why the Gold Coast is famous for fun," he said.

To find out more about other events on offer in Queensland visit http://www.eventsqld.com.au