New Zealand and Argentina will play November rugby internationals at Croke Park in 2008, the Central Council of the GAA confirmed over the weekend. The rubberstamping of these fixtures are contingent upon confirmation of dates but it does appear Irish sport is in line for another unique experience with five rugby and soccer internationals already confirmed for GAA headquarters next year.
The visit of the All Blacks to Croke Park would be billed as one of the biggest ever occasions in Irish sport, especially if Graham Henry's team live up to their overwhelming favourites tag at this year's World Cup.
A GAA statement read: "The GAA provisionally approved an application from the FAI and IRFU respectively to play two friendly/ranking games each in Croke Park in 2008.
"The Central Council's decision is contingent on agreement being reached with the respective governing bodies on terms and dates."
Friendly internationals at Croke Park were initially ruled out when the GAA opened its gates to rugby and soccer but they do contribute to a country's world ranking points in both rugby and soccer.
With Lansdowne Road under construction, the Irish rugby team are already scheduled to play Italy (February 2nd), Scotland (February 23rd), and Wales (March 8th) at Croke Park in next year's Six Nations, while the Irish soccer team have home internationals on October 11th and 15th.
The USA are also due to play a rugby test against Ireland in November 2008 with a redeveloped Thomond Park, and its new 26,000 capacity, expected to provide the venue for that occasion.
