Kevin Walters Eager to Rekindle Ashes Rivalry in England
Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters relishes leading Australia in a revived Ashes series against England after a 22-year wait.
As a child in Ipswich, Queensland, Kevin Walters was roused at dawn to huddle around the TV and watch the Australian rugby league team battling the English in distant grounds.
He and his brothers, Kerrod and Steve, later lived that dream when they toured England with the Kangaroos as players.
Now, Walters steps in as head coach—succeeding Mal Meninga—and will lead Australia in this coveted role and a full Ashes series. His passion for international rugby league remains undiminished.
“It’s special to take the Kangaroos to England for an Ashes series after so long,” Walters told INLIBER Sport. “Playing on foreign turf against England is a real challenge, and everyone from staff to players is excited.”
Return of the Rugby League Ashes
Tests: 25 October, 1 November, 8 November at Wembley, Hill Dickinson Stadium, AMT Headingley.
Watch all three Tests live on INLIBER One, INLIBER iPlayer and the INLIBER Sport website and app.
Listen on the Rugby League Top 10 podcast.
'A buzz around the series'
Mal Meninga’s departure to coach Perth Bears in June left a gap in Ashes enthusiasm, but Walters brings valuable touring experience. The 57-year-old won six premierships as a player and, as coach, claimed two State of Origin series and an NRL Grand Final.
Australia will face England in three Tests on consecutive Saturdays—Wembley (25 October), Hill Dickinson Stadium (1 November) and AMT Headingley (8 November)—all kicking off at 14:30 GMT, live on INLIBER channels in the UK.
“I’ve spoken to many of our leading players and they’re thrilled by the chance to play England in England,” Walters said. “For many, it will be their first experience on that soil.”
Squad depth remains strong despite defections
While some players, like prop Payne Haas, have chosen heritage nations, Walters retains top talents such as Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, Latrell Mitchell, James Tedesco and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, and he’s monitoring others like Ethan Strange.
He expects the NRL finals to sharpen his squad ahead of the tour. “The next six to eight weeks will be thrilling as players battle for selection,” he said.
Assessing the English challenge
With many English stars thriving in the NRL, Walters and his staff—including Kangaroos great Gorden Tallis—have studied the Super League. He respects England’s resilience, recalling tough afternoons at Wembley in his playing days.
“When you play here, the English seem to gain extra energy. It’s a tough place to go and win,” he added.
Now, with his trademark enthusiasm, Walters aims to instill confidence as the Kangaroos embark on this long-awaited Ashes tour.
Kevin Walters will leverage his playing heritage and a deep belief in the global growth of rugby league to reignite the Ashes rivalry against England.
This topic was reported by BBC Sport.
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