International Rules news: The Australian Football League (AFL) announced yesterday the International Rules Test between Australia and Ireland in the Subiaco Oval in Perth on Friday, October 24th has been sold out.
Approximately 43,000 are anticipated. When Australia played Ireland at the same venue in 1990 there was an attendance of less than 15,000.
This is a clear indication of the increased acceptance of the game in Australia especially considering Perth isn't an Australian Rules stronghold.
Tickets for the second Test at Melbourne's MCG Ground on Friday, October 31st have not yet gone on general sale, but the AFL also anticipates a large attendance at the 90,000 capacity stadium.
The record attendance for an International Rules Test is 71,000, from last year's second Test at Croke Park, but this could be overturned as a large Irish contingent is expected to be in the city because of the rugby World Cup clash between Ireland and Australia, in their final group match, the next day.
A further attraction is the Melbourne Cup which follows on November 4th, especially considering Dermot Weld's success last year.
Seán Kelly, president of the GAA, said interest in the International Rules Series in Australia was unprecedented and reflected the entertainment value of the game and its ever increasing status in both countries.
The two Test matches in Ireland last year attracted approximately 110,000 spectators to Croke Park.
Ireland team manager John O'Keeffe is expected to announce the squad to travel to Australia in the first week of October.
Training has been taking place at Ballymun Kickhams grounds in Dublin.
The Irish party will depart on Saturday, October 18th, and will arrive home on Friday, November 7th.
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