The Rugby League Ashes is set to make a comeback on the BBC after a hiatus of more than two decades. This historic series, originating in 1908 between Great Britain and Australia, is being revived with a twist – England will now challenge the Kangaroos instead of Great Britain, whose presence faded after 2006.
Having not faced Australia since the 2017 Rugby League World Cup final, England, under coach Shaun Wane, will carry the legacy of the former Great British team. The upcoming matches will take place at three different venues in England, starting at Wembley Stadium on October 25, followed by games at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium and AMT Headingley Stadium in Leeds.
The entire series will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with Mark Chapman leading the coverage alongside a panel of experts including Sam Burgess, Kev Brown, Jon Wilkin, Jamie Peacock, Jodie Cunningham, and Robbie Hunter-Paul. Commentary will be provided by Jonathan ‘Jiffy’ Davies and Matt Newsum, with additional insights from James Graham, John Kear, and Brian Noble, and reports from Tanya Arnold and Damian Johnson.
Director of BBC Sport, Alex Kay-Jelski, emphasized that bringing back the Rugby League Ashes aims to reignite the passion of fans for this iconic rivalry. Rhodri Jones, Managing Director of RL Commercial, expressed delight in showcasing all three Tests live on BBC One, highlighting the longstanding relationship between BBC Sport and Rugby League, dating back to memorable moments in the sport’s history.
The anticipation is high for the clash between Shaun Wane’s England and the 2025 Kangaroos, promising to deliver more unforgettable sporting moments for audiences in London, Liverpool, and Leeds this autumn.