Nat Fyfe and Shaun Burgoyne hold aloft the Cormac McAnallen Cup in 2017. Picture: AFL Photos

THE INTERNATIONAL Rules Series is on hold indefinitely.

The AFL and the Gaelic Athletic Association have agreed to postpone the series, which was due to return in November for the first time since 2017, because of the global coronavirus pandemic.

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Copy link Link copied to clipboard Match Highlights: AUS v IRL, Second Test Australia and Ireland clash in the 2017 International Series

The writing was on the wall almost three weeks ago, when AFL.com.au reported the AFL had told the four Irishmen set to trial in Australia that their trip was postponed.

This year's IRS was going to be held in Ireland before a return series in Australia after the 2022 AFL season.

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Copy link Link copied to clipboard Match Highlights: AUS v IRL, First Test Australia and Ireland clash in the 2017 International Series

There is no certainty about when the hybrid series will be back.

"Due to the current circumstances, the International Rules Series scheduled for this year has been postponed," an AFL spokesperson said.

"At an appropriate time, we will work with the GAA on potentially resuming the series in coming years."

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The pandemic has forced the suspension of the AFL and GAA seasons and been a significant drain on finances, with club and AFL staff stood down.