INTERNATIONAL RULES: While GAA officials agonise over the Rules series Ian O'Riordanfinds the Australians consumed by apathy

Australian football officials appear somewhat indifferent to the future of the International Rules series. While the GAA's Central Council will this Saturday stage a pivotal debate on the hybrid game's survival, their counterparts at the Australian Football League (AFL) have so far made no effort to either consider or negotiate a future.

Speaking from Melbourne yesterday, the AFL's press chief, Patrick Keane, couldn't have sounded less interested in the GAA's standpoint and wasn't even aware of the Central Council meeting. More significantly, Keane stated the AFL had no contact with the GAA since the conclusion of 2006 series in Croke Park last month, nor had they discussed the future of the series among themselves.

"No, we haven't had any discussions on it, either formally, informally or otherwise," said Keane. "And there hasn't been any contact with the GAA either. It's a quiet time of the year for us, and certain members of our staff are on leave or vacation.

"As far as I understand there may be something discussed later this month. But nothing has been talked about so far, and probably won't be until most of the people involved are available."

Keane has been a travelling member of the Australian party for recent tours but was unwilling to assess the mood of the Australian players or public following the violent incidents during the second Test in Croke Park last month. Keane appeared to play down the significance of the statement issued jointly by the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) and their counterparts the AFLPA, which voiced "collective support for a continuation" of the series.

"That was something that was released through the GAA players' association," he said, "and not through us, maybe three weeks ago, and that was all we know of it. But again we haven't had any discussions with either our players or officials."

Keane also declined to speculate on the future of Australian coach Kevin Sheedy, who said in a recent radio interview he was finished with the series. There had also been talk of the AFL bypassing next year's series because of an association anniversary, but in fact that anniversary doesn't happen until 2008.

"We have a big anniversary in 2008," explained Keane, "which is the 150th anniversary of the first AFL match. But that's taking place in August, so that shouldn't present any problem with regard to the International Rules."

While it is strictly off-season in the AFL - their new season doesn't get going until March of next year - there is still considerable coverage of the game in the Australian media. Earlier this week the Melbourne Age carried an article under the headline "Irish eyes: still not smiling" in which the lack of any date for the 2007 series and the criticism of the series at recent county conventions were highlighted.

The article referred to GAA's draft fixture list released last week, and "the notable absence of dates for the annual two-Test series".

The annual report of Monaghan secretary John Scully was also quoted, where he said, "some of the pre-match coverage of the second Test created a war-like confrontation."

Another recent article in the Melbourne Sunday Age, under the headline "Bitter flavour to Irish stew", said the "AFL must acknowledge the reasons for the failings of its overseas tour".

Back at home, the general mood of anger and disgust at the series continues, with Tipperary county chairman John Costigan adding his voice to those calling for an end to series. Speaking at the Tipperary Football Board convention this week, Costigan said the series had become "a platform for thuggery".

"Given the nature of the incidents we saw this year it is time the association called a halt," said Costigan, a former Tipperary hurler. "I hope I never again witness scenes like those in the second game in the series. It was a shambles. This series serves no purpose. It is a platform for thuggery and an embarrassment to the GAA."

And in his report released ahead of the Louth convention next Monday, county board secretary Pat Toner admitted the series looked to have run its course: "The compromise rules series appears to be on its last legs. I find it hard to get excited about it and the incidents that took place in Croke Park this year did not help. However, it appears that the majority of our players are in favour of it continuing."

It was confirmed earlier this week that Central Council have the power to pull the plug on the series at Saturday's meeting in Croke Park, although it still appears more likely a final decision will be deferred until after the GAA sit down with the AFL early next year - assuming they can at least agree on that.