The Rugby League Ashes returns for the first time in 22 years as England face Australia at Wembley Stadium – here is how to watch
Daryl Clark has been named in the England squad for the Rugby League Ashes opener
After a hiatus of more than 20 years, the Rugby League Ashes will make its long-awaited return on Saturday, with England taking on Australia at Wembley Stadium.
The historic series, which was previously played between Great Britain and Australia, was held on 39 occasions between its inception in 1908 and 2003, but has not taken place since then, with the Great Britain brand dissolved for the most part in 2006.Now, however, the event has been revived, with England becoming the challengers to the Kangaroos.
Today’s match will not only mark the start of the best-of-three series and the return of the iconic event, but it will also be the first time in eight years that England and Australia have met in an international rugby league match.
When the series ended in 2003, Australia had won 20 of the 39 series up until that point – including 13 consecutive wins since 1973 – with Great Britain narrowly losing out with 19 triumphs.
As we wait and see what will happen when Shaun Wane’s England take to the field at Wembley this afternoon, here’s everything you need to know about how to watch the action.
England v Australia kick-off time
The Rugby League Ashes series opener between England and Australia will kick off at Wembley Stadium at 2.30pm (UK time) on Saturday, October 25.
England v Australia TV channel
For those outside of Wales, today’s match will be shown live on BBC One, with coverage starting at 2pm. However, in Wales, the match will be broadcast on BBC Two Wales, with the coverage starting at the same time.
The match is also available to be live streamed via BBC iPlayer, with live updates on the BBC Sport website too.
Mark Chapman is on hosting duties, as he fronts the BBC’s coverage alongside a punditry team comprising at least one of Sam Burgess, Kev Brown, Jon Wilkin, Jamie Peacock, Jodie Cunningham and Robbie Hunter-Paul.
Welsh dual-code legend Jonathan ‘Jiffy’ Davies has also been assigned to co-commentary duty for the series alongside lead commentator Matt Newsum, who will also be joined by James Graham, John Kear, and Brian Noble.
Reporting from pitch-side will be Tanya Arnold and Damian Johnson.
Rugby League Ashes schedule
Today’s match at Wembley Stadiumwill be followed by a second fixture at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool on Saturday, November 1 and a potential series decider at AMT Headingly Stadium in Leeds on November 8.
Game 1 – Saturday, October 25 (2.30pm UK time) – Wembley Stadium, London
Game 2 – Saturday, November 1 (2.30pm UK time) – Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool
Game 3 – Saturday, November 8 (2.30pm UK time) – AMT Headingly Stadium, Leeds
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