Yet another financial blow for the RFL as Ashes series is cancelled

THE Ashes scheduled for the autumn has been cancelled.

The three-match series would have been the first between the old enemies since 2003 and would have been the first opportunity for new England coach Shaun Wane to see his side in action.

However, it was expected that the series would fall victim to the rescheduling of the NRL season, which will now run into October instead of September, and Super League’s, which is likely to run way past the traditional Grand Final slot in the second week of October.

Those issues, coupled with the fact global travel is predicted to be heavily restricted for the foreseeable future, have led to the cancellation of the three fixtures.

It means England do not have matches planned ahead of the 2021 Rugby League World Cup, which will be held on home soil.

“We make this announcement with great reluctance and disappointment,” said RFL chief executive Ralph Rimmer.

“However the circumstances have had a seismic impact on rugby league and we all now need to find solutions for the greater and longer term good of the game.”

The RFL relies significantly on England fixtures for income, so the loss of the three fixtures - plus the expected cancellation of Magic Weekend and uncertainty surrounding this year’s Challenge Cup - will hit the governing body hard.

Added Rimmer:”We are all going to have to make sacrifices, and financial adjustments.”

Discussions have already begun regarding a potential Ashes tour in 2022 or beyond.