2008 International Rules Series

Rule changes

• Maximum of 14 interchanges per quarter.
• Teams are allowed only four consecutive hand passes (ball must then be kicked).
• Match time reduced from 20 to 18 minutes per quarter (with stoppage time for breaks in play).
• Goalkeeper can no longer kick the ball to himself from the kick-out.
• Suspensions may carry over the GAA and AFL matches if The Match Review Panel see fit.
• A dangerous "slinging" tackle will be an automatic red card.
• A shirtfront endangering the head will result in a red card.
• Physical intimidation can result in a yellow card.
• One-handed tackles result in a free kick.
• An independent referee can cite players for reportable offenses from the stands.
• Yellow cards sin bin reduced to 10 minutes.

Squads

Notes:

• Main sources for squads: BBC Sport Online and Hogan Stand.
• Kerry's Tommy Walsh was named on the original Irish squad, but had to withdraw due to club commitments with Kerins O'Rahilly's. He was replaced by Paul Finlay.
• Dublin's Bernard Brogan was named on the Irish original squad, but had to withdraw due to club commitments with St Oliver Plunketts/Eoghan Ruadh. He was replaced by Martin McGrath.
• The match-day squad for both teams was limited to 24 players each. Thus Australia (who had a 25 man squad) had to drop one player for each test and Ireland (who had a 27 man squad) had to drop three players.

Ireland manager Boylan was criticised for including David Gallagher in his squad, as he was not then playing inter-county football.

Irish management team

• Coach – Seán Boylan
• Selectors:
  • Anthony Tohill
  • Hugh Kenny
  • Eoin Liston
• Runner – Seán Marty Lockhart
• Backroom team:
  • Trevor Brennan (fitness & tackling)
  • Mike McGurn (fitness & tackling)
• Tour Manager – Seán Walsh
• Assistant Tour Manager – Tommy Kilcoyne
• Team doctor – Owen Clarke
• Physiotherapist – Frank Foley
• Masseur – Martin Regan
• Kit manager – Owen Lynch
• Waterboys – Ciaran Boylan and Pauric Gallagher Notes:
• Main sources: Hogan Stand

Refereeing team

• Main referees – Pat McEnaney (Ireland) and Stephen McBurney (Australia)
• Standby referees / linesmen – David Coldrick (Ireland) and Brett Rosebury (Australia)
• Umpires – Gearóid Ó Conámha & John Bannon (Ireland) and Steven Axon & Peter Nastasi (Australia)
• Video match referee – Ian Curlewis (South Africa)

Notes:

• Main source: Hogan Stand

Matches

First test

Second test

References

References

1. [http://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-football/international-rules-back-on-track-as-two-dates-confirmed-1391811.html International Rules back on track as two dates confirmed]
2. Dan Silkstone. (19 October 2008). "Through Irish eyes". The Sunday Age.
3. Heaney, Paddy. (23 October 2008). "Time for talk is over". [[The Irish News]].
4. Heaney, Paddy. (23 October 2008). "The rules of engagement: A brief guide". [[The Irish News]].
5. (2008-10-07). "Ireland squad has nine Ulstermen". BBC Sport Online.
6. (2008-10-09). "Aussies name youthful squad". [[Hogan Stand]].
7. (2008-10-15). "Finlay called up for Ireland duty". [[Hogan Stand]].
8. Duffy, Coilin. (2008-10-17). "McGrath happy to grab his chance". [[The Irish News]].
9. (2008-10-16). "McGrath called up". [[Hogan Stand]].
10. Heaney, Paddy. (24 October 2008). "TOUR sidelines". [[The Irish News]].
11. (5 November 2008). "Boylan tight-lipped on Meath vacancy". [[Meath Chronicle]].
12. (2008-09-23). "Boylan names his selectors". [[Hogan Stand]].
13. (2008-09-24). "Rugby duo assisting Rules squad". [[Hogan Stand]].