World Footy News

Such a glittering array of international cities could potentially play host to International Rules matches if Alastair Clarkson’s push gathers any steam. If “The Big Apple’ can be considered a potential host city, as well as Boston, then other cities across Ireland and Northern Ireland, such as Belfast and Cork, could equally be considered. The Australian coach has ignited discussion about the future International Rules venues, but the debate is as young as the renewed interest in the game. The following is an excerpt from an article on the afl.com website, written by Alex Malcolm.

(Left: Australian Coach, Alastair Clarkson)

Following the success of the one-off Virgin Australia International Rules Test in Perth, the concept is ready to be unleashed on New York or Boston, Alastair Clarkson says.

Australia's victorious coach was adamant the series was well enough established to warrant taking the concept to the United States as early as next year.

"I think there's a market in New York and a big Irish contingency there as well," Clarkson said.

"We may be able to have best of both worlds; have one Test in New York or Boston, or somewhere like that, and another one in Ireland at Croke Park.

"If that was the case I reckon it would be a great experience for everyone involved. For the Irish to play a game in New York or Boston, that would be superb and for our boys that'd be a great concept as well."

However, Ireland's coach Paul Earley believes the series needs to be consolidated in Ireland and Australia again before taking the concept to the US. 

"I don't see the logic in playing it in the United States to be perfectly honest," Earley said.

"I think it's got to establish a foothold again in Ireland and Australia first of all before you take it internationally.”

Earley said he was disappointed there would not be a second test for the Irish to atone for their defeat.

Clarkson agreed the series needed two tests.

"We would like another test in a sense and so many of the previous series have been two-test series," Clarkson said.

"So hopefully that will be the case next year if we play abroad, because these guys have enjoyed it so much (and) I have enjoyed it so much.”

To read the rest of Alex Malcolm’s article on this topic and the future of International Rules’ series, click on the following link to the AFL’s home page: http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-11-23/next-stop-new-york