Major sporting event returns to BBC Sport after 22 year absence

Mark Chapman is set to front the returning event
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Rugby league fans are in for a treat as the Ashes series makes its long-awaited comeback to the BBC after more than two decades away. England will battle Australia in three thrilling Test matches, kicking off at Wembley Stadium on October 25.
The historic series then continues at Everton's brand new Hill Dickinson Stadium at Bramley Moore Dock on November 1, before wrapping up at AMT Headingley in Leeds on November 8.
It is the first time since 2003 that these fierce rivals have faced off in an Ashes series, and there is already massive excitement building with over 50,000 tickets sold for the Wembley opener.
Commentary duties fall to Matt Newsum with support from England and St Helens legend James Graham, alongside Jonathan Davies, John Kear and Brian Noble. Tanya Arnold and Damian Johnson will also be reporting from pitchside.
It's the first time since 2003 that England and Australia have faced off in an Ashes series
|PA
The 22-year absence comes as a result of the Great Britain brand dissolving in 2006. Previous Ashes series between the two nations were played as Great Britain versus Australia.
Therefore, significantly, this marks the first Ashes series where England compete under their own banner rather than as Great Britain.
Mark Chapman will front the BBC's coverage of the 2025 Rugby League Ashes
|PA
The BBC is pulling out all the stops with an impressive lineup of rugby league royalty. Mark Chapman will front the coverage alongside former England captain Sam Burgess, who's now coaching Warrington Wolves, plus Jamie Peacock, Jon Wilkin, Jodie Cunningham and Robbie Hunter-Paul.
The historical record shows just how tight the rivalry has been, with Australia holding 20 series wins to Great Britain's 19 from their 39 encounters since 1908.
But here's the sobering reality for England fans - the Kangaroos have been utterly dominant in recent times, winning every single series since 1970. That's 13 consecutive victories spanning more than half a century.
George Williams will captain England against Isaah Yeo's Australian side. The two sides haven't played a competitive match against each other since the 2017 World Cup final.
England and Australia last faced each other in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup Final
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BBC Sport Director Alex Kay-Jelski captured the significance: "Bringing the Rugby League Ashes back to audiences for the first time in a generation isn't just about broadcasting the matches, it's about reconnecting fans with one of the sport's most iconic rivalries."
Rhodri Jones from RL Commercial called it "a landmark moment for the sport in this country," highlighting the BBC's decades-long relationship with international rugby league.
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“We’re looking forward to Shaun Wane’s England team, and the 2025 Kangaroos, providing more classic sporting moments for a national audience in London, Liverpool and Leeds this autumn," he added.
The series has already proved a hit with fans - both the Liverpool and Leeds matches have completely sold out.