The BBC will broadcast the Rugby League Ashes this month after a 20-year hiatus. The historic series, which began in 1908 between Great Britain and Australia, will now feature England challenging the Kangaroos. Previously, the Great Britain team faced Australia in the competition until its discontinuation in 2003.
Under the guidance of head coach Shaun Wane, England will replace the former Great Britain team in the revived Ashes series. The upcoming matches will take place at three venues in England, starting at Wembley Stadium on October 25, followed by games at the Hill Dickinson Stadium and AMT Headingley Stadium.
All three fixtures will be live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with a lineup of presenters and pundits including Mark Chapman, Sam Burgess, Kev Brown, Jon Wilkin, Jamie Peacock, Jodie Cunningham, and Robbie Hunter-Paul. Commentators Jonathan Davies and Matt Newsum, along with a team of analysts, will provide in-depth coverage of the matches.
The return of the Rugby League Ashes is seen as a significant moment for the sport, with Rhodri Jones, Managing Director of RL Commercial, expressing delight that the Tests will be broadcast live on BBC One. The event aims to reignite the fervor of one of the sport’s most iconic rivalries, providing fans with a memorable and immersive experience throughout the series.