The RFL have today confirmed the dates and venues for this year’s Ashes Series against Australia. While the venues have been an open secret amongst fans for some time now, the dates of the tests were not widely known before the official announcement.

The series will kick off on October the 25th at London’s Wembley Stadium, before visiting Everton’s new Bramley Moore Dock Stadium on November the 1st, with the final, and potential deciding, game being played on November the 8th at Leeds’ AMT Headingley Stadium. All games will kick-off at 2.30pm, and will all be shown live on BBC One.

This will be the first Ashes Test series in twenty-two years, with the last one in 2003 ending in a whitewash victory for the Aussies. It will be hoped by many British rugby league fans that a repeat of the last series is not on the cards, as a strong showing in the Ashes could go a long way towards their preparations for next year’s World Cup, held in Australia.

Rhodri Jones, Rugby League Commercial Managing Director, said on the series official announcement: “This is the news we’ve all been waiting for – everyone in the England set-up, and tens of thousands of England Rugby League fans. We welcome back Mal Meninga and the Kangaroos to England for an Ashes series, and we have three fantastic venues which will showcase the very best of International Rugby League.”

“After 22 years this is rivalry reignited that will have a truly national resonance as England look to regain the Rugby League Ashes.”

Whereas, ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys AM said Kangaroo Tours have produced some of greatest moments in the history of the game:

“We are proud to revive one of the great Rugby League traditions with the first Ashes series and Kangaroo Tour of England in 22 years. The ARLC believes in the international game and the Commission was behind this historic tour to support the growth of the game in the North.”

“Kangaroos Tours are an iconic part of Rugby League folklore and have always delivered thrilling contests. The current generation of Kangaroos players have never experienced the magic of a Kangaroos Tour, and I’m delighted that they will have a chance to cement their own legacy alongside the greats of the past.”

This year’s Ashes Test will provide not only a stern test on-the-field for England, but also could be said to provide an off-the-field challenge in proving the game’s continued commercial viability, especially during a time of such upheaval at the RFL. As such, many people’s focus will be on the success of the ticket sales for this series, as strong crowds for such massive games are not as much of a gimme anymore. It is to be hoped that this long-awaited Ashes Series will provide thrills on the pitch, as well as sizeable crowds in the stands.

Written by Nathan Major-Kershaw (Site editor & Hull KR fan)

Source: https://www.rugby-league.com/article/63593/kangaroos-to-return-to-england-for-abk-beer-ashes-series