The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) have confirmed the nation’s new head coach and the man who will lead them in the Ashes versus England.
Rugby League Ashes prep, or the lack of, has been a talking point around the Australian national team with a legend recently revealing that no hotels or pitches are booked for the tour, which begins in October with the first game at Wembley on the 25th of the month.
Those comments came in the aftermath of Mal Meninga stepping down from the role in order to take a gig with the NRL’s newest club, the Perth Bears.
Meninga’s shock call came at the start of June and a new coach has only just been confirmed now with former Brisbane Broncos man Kevin Walters appointed to the biggest job in international rugby league.
Walters left the Broncos at the end of last season having led the club to the Grand Final in 2023, but he’ll now be tasked with helping the Kangaroos defeat England in the Ashes.
Kevin Walters appointed Australia coach for Rugby League Ashes
One thing to note is that Walters’ contract only sees him take charge of the Ashes with no plans for 2026, a Rugby League World Cup year.
ARLC chairman Peter V’landys confirmed the appointment of Walters in an NRL press release, highlighting the 57-year-old’s experience as both a player and a coach.
“As Kangaroo number 612, Walters is very well placed to lead the national team on a historic tour to the UK,” explained V’landys.
“Kevin has played for the Kangaroos, had a successful coaching career with Brisbane Broncos and Queensland Maroons, and will bring that expertise into the national team for the Ashes.
“Kevin has toured with the Kangaroos as a player, was a leader as a player and as a coach. His coaching pedigree is a natural fit for the national team.”
Walters would also comment, labelling it an “honour and a privilege” to be able to lead the Kangaroos in such an event as the Ashes.
He’d add: “Playing on a Kangaroos Tour was always a pinnacle as a player, so to be able to lead the best of the best in this environment is very humbling and obviously very exciting.
“This series will be an important step for the growth of international Rugby League and for the Kangaroos. I can’t wait to get started.”
Also confirmed by the ARLC was the appointment of Jess Skinner as head coach of the Jillaroos, however, it was noted that she would be in charge for 2026 as well. She took interim charge of Australia in Las Vegas earlier this year when they hammered England and will now look to continue on ahead of next year’s World Cup.
The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) has confirmed Kevin Walters as the new Kangaroos coach for the 2025 Ashes Tour.
“This series will be an important step for the growth of international Rugby League and for the Kangaroos. I can’t wait to get started.” said Walters. pic.twitter.com/Y4DWmWWA9a
— NRL (@NRL) July 22, 2025
