The BBC will host the Rugby League Ashes later this month after a hiatus of more than 20 years. The historic series, which began in 1908 between Great Britain and Australia, is making a comeback with a new twist in the lineup.
In a departure from the previous format where Great Britain faced Australia, England will now challenge the Kangaroos. The Great Britain team was largely disbanded in 2006, except for a brief return in 2019.
England, led by head coach Shaun Wane, will carry on the legacy of their predecessors. The upcoming matches will mark their first encounter with Australia in eight years since the 2017 Rugby League World Cup final.
The highly anticipated series will feature games at three different venues in England, starting at Wembley Stadium on October 25. Subsequent matches will be held at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium on November 1 and potentially concluding at AMT Headingley Stadium in Leeds on November 8.
All three games will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with Mark Chapman heading the coverage alongside a panel of expert analysts. The return of the Rugby League Ashes aims to reignite interest in one of the sport’s classic rivalries, as expressed by Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport.
Rhodri Jones, the Managing Director of RL Commercial, emphasized the significance of the Ashes’ return after more than two decades. The partnership between BBC Sport and Rugby League has a rich history, spanning memorable moments in international rugby, and the upcoming series promises to deliver more iconic sporting events for audiences nationwide.