GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghail said: "We are pleased to confirm the re-instatement of a two-game series commencing next year in Australia when Joe Kernan will bring the Irish team down under.

"We believe the two-game series is a logical development after the success of the last two single games series, given the distances involved and the potential to generate even more momentum around the games.

"We look forward to renewing rivalries with the best the AFL has to offer and we acknowledge the progress made in recent months with our AFL counterparts in helping to confirm the plans for 2017."

AFL General Manager Football Operations Mark Evans said: “The one-off Test matches in Perth and Dublin over the last two years were two high-class encounters played in front of very strong crowds. Australian and Irish fans have shown they want to see a spectacular and competitive contest played between the most talented AFL players and Ireland’s best Gaelic footballers.

“Restricting selection to only a player who has earned All Australian selection through his AFL career has ensured the prestige of playing in the International Rules Series and we look forward to hosting the Irish side again next year.”

The GAA have also announced that the 'mark' will be introduced to all football games from January 1st.

They've also moved to tackle fixture congestion by eliminating the semi-finals from the Allianz Football League.

And there will be no replays in the Allianz Hurling League quarter or semi-finals.