Get ready, rugby league fans – the Ashes are back on BBC Sport after a staggering 22-year hiatus, and it’s shaping up to be an event like no other. But here’s where it gets controversial: this isn’t just a return; it’s a historic shift, as England competes under its own flag for the first time ever, no longer part of the Great Britain brand that dissolved in 2006. Could this be the game-changer England needs to break Australia’s 53-year winning streak? Only time will tell.
The action kicks off on October 25 at the iconic Wembley Stadium, where England and Australia will clash in the first of three nail-biting Test matches. The series then moves to Everton’s gleaming new Hill Dickinson Stadium at Bramley Moore Dock on November 1, before concluding at AMT Headingley in Leeds on November 8. With over 50,000 tickets already sold for the Wembley opener and both Liverpool and Leeds matches completely sold out, the excitement is palpable.
And this is the part most people miss: this isn’t just a sporting event; it’s a cultural moment. The Ashes rivalry dates back to 1908, with Australia leading the series 20-19. But since 1970, the Kangaroos have been unstoppable, securing 13 consecutive series wins. For England fans, this series is more than a game – it’s a chance to rewrite history.
BBC Sport is pulling out all the stops with a star-studded lineup. Mark Chapman will lead the coverage, joined by rugby league legends like former England captain Sam Burgess, Jamie Peacock, Jon Wilkin, Jodie Cunningham, and Robbie Hunter-Paul. Commentary duties will be handled by Matt Newsum, supported by England and St Helens icon James Graham, Jonathan Davies, John Kear, and Brian Noble. Tanya Arnold and Damian Johnson will bring all the action from the sidelines.
George Williams will captain England against Isaah Yeo’s Australian side, marking the first competitive meeting between the two nations since the 2017 World Cup final. Shaun Wane’s England team is determined to make this series one for the ages, but can they finally topple the dominant Kangaroos?
Here’s the bold question we’re asking: With England competing as a standalone nation for the first time, does this level the playing field, or will Australia’s dominance continue? Let us know your thoughts in the comments – this is a debate rugby league fans won’t want to miss. One thing’s for sure: this Ashes series is set to deliver unforgettable moments for fans in London, Liverpool, and Leeds this autumn.
