The dates for this year’s Ashes Tests between England and Australia have seemingly been revealed with another international game teased.
At the time of writing there is still no official confirmation when the Ashes Tests will take place whilst news of which grounds those games will be played at has only been reported and not confirmed.
Those reports came from Love Rugby League and announced that Wembley, Headingley and Everton’s new Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium would host the three games between England and Australia.
However, it’s now been revealed by France coach Laurent Frayssinous that Australia are set to take on Les Bleus prior the Ashes with that game serving as a warm-up match.
Frayssinous revealed that when speaking to L’Independent, a French publication, with the national team head coach also appearing to confirm the dates that the Ashes Tests will be played on with two matches slated for November and one in October.
Ashes Test dates ‘revealed’ by France head coach
Credit: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com
Frayssinous first coached France in 2022 with the former St Helens assistant leading them during the World Cup that year and in their 2023 and 2024 defeats to England.
Recently, Les Bleus have beaten Ukraine and Wales to set themselves up for a clash with Jamaica to earn qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Ahead of then, Frayssinous has teased that his side could face Australia.
Speaking to L’Independent, he said: “The FFR XIII wants us to finally play Australia again. They haven’t been to France since 2009 in Paris and we haven’t played them since the 2017 World Cup.
“We need to measure ourselves against a nation from the southern hemisphere before the World Cup. It’s a great opportunity and there’s a good chance it will happen.”
Frayssinous then spoke about the logistics of that which seemingly saw him also reveal the dates for the Ashes Tests as well.
He said: “Australia is coming to play three matches in England (October 25, November 1 and November 8). They want to stop in France before getting there at the request of their coach Mal Meninga. Trent Robinson is in contact with them and today, the financial terms are on the table.”
Robinson has a strong connection to French rugby having coached at Catalans and it seems that he is serving as the go-between to ensure a warm-up game is arranged.
With the Super League Grand Final being played on the 11th of October, it seems unlikely that England would have a chance for a warm-up match should October 25th be the first Test, as per Frayssinous’ interview.
