Rugby League Ashes series cancelled

After a 17-year absence, the three-Test series against the touring Kangaroos (Australia) was due to be revived here in October and November

The Rugby League Ashes series scheduled to be held in England this autumn has been cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

After a 17-year absence, the three-Test series against the touring Kangaroos (Australia) was due to be revived here in October and November.

The sport's governing bodies on both sides of the world have reluctantly agreed to cancel because of the pandemic, current complications surrounding global travel and the need to make early decisions for all concerned, including fans.

Both countries remain committed, however, to the revival of Ashes tours, which were first staged in 1908.

A World Cup will be held in England next year but talks have already started about the possibility of the Kangaroos coming here for an Ashes series from 2022 onwards.

Ralph Rimmer, the RFL's chief executive, said: "This will have a considerable impact on finances because we were banking on a significant boost from Australia's first full tour here since 2003.

"All sections of our game will have to make sacrifices and financial adjustments and we should again stress our gratitude to the Government for the significant support they provided at the start of May which will help us to deal with this major setback."

Fans who have already bought Ashes tickets can claim a credit for any other major rugby league event in 2020 or 2021, including the World Cup, or claim a full refund.

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