GPA Chief Tom Parsons has indicated that, among other inter-county players, David Clifford is keen on the return of the international rules series.
The International Rules movement has been on ice since last taking place in 2017, with rumours of a potential return in recent times.
A combination of issues such led to its absence over the last number of years but Parsons, who represented Ireland in the 2008 series against Australia, is among those calling for a re-launch.
Speaking to the Irish Independent, the former Mayo footballer said Kerry's Clifford was 'very positive' on the subject of its return when speaking to him recently, adding that many more inter-county players would 'love to see it back.'
Only a select few current inter-county players have had the opportunity to represent their country in the guise of international rules with the returning Michael Murphy among them, as well as veterans Aidan O'Shea and Conor McManus.
18 November 2017; Conor McManus and Michael Murphy of Ireland shake hands after the Virgin Australia International Rules Series 2nd test at the Domain Stadium in Perth, Australia. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile
Kerry's Paul Murphy and Paul Geaney were also part of the Ireland panel in 2017, as were Roscommon's Enda Smith, Tyrone's Niall Morgan, Galway's Shane Walsh, Sligo's Niall Murphy, Kildare's Kevin Feely, Armagh's Niall Grimley and Monaghan duo Karl O'Connell and Darren Hughes.
Jack McCaffrey, Paddy McBrearty and Mattie Donnelly, meanwhile, were part of the 2015 series, while Louth's Ciaran Byrne, Galway's Paul Conroy and Ciaran Kilkenny played in 2013. Stephen Cluxton played in 2011.
Australia came out on top in both tests in 2017, and Parsons has indicated that the likes of Clifford and his generation would like to see its return,.
“I don’t think David has got the opportunity [to play for Ireland]. I can tell you, when I was on to David about it, wouldn’t we all love to see how David fares out against other athletes from around the world?” Parsons said.
There has been murmurings of a comeback, with AFL CEO Andrew Dillon citing 'really positive discussions' with GAA president Jarlath Burns when he made the journey over on Grand Final week, while a spokesperson from Croke Park said the GAA are "positively disposed towards future engagement with the AFL about the possibility of future International Rules series."
Murmurings they remain as things stand, with concrete discussions between the AFL and the GAA yet to take place. Parsons, however, believes it's achievable that it may return.
“A lot of athletes are opting to pick their elite sport, albeit amateur, in Gaelic games," says Parsons.
"And getting an opportunity to represent your country is a positive opportunity . . . as long as player welfare and load are managed with the players that participate in it. But that’s something that I think is achievable because it is a small pool of players.”
