Super League head coach set for punditry role as BBC confirm Ashes scheduling

The BBC have confirmed the pundits and commentary team that will be working on the upcoming Ashes series this autumn, and it includes some huge names that are well-experienced in international rugby.

The three-match series will see England, who named their 24-man squad this week, take on Australia, as the historic series returns for the first time in over 20 years.

Wembley Stadium will host the opening game next Saturday (Saturday 25), and all matches will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

We then move to Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium for the second test (November 1), in what is already a sell out. AMT Headingley then hosts the third and final test (November 8), with that fixture set to be a full house too.

Tickets are still available for the Wembley Test, but if fans plan to watch the matches from the comfort of their own home, then the BBC have stacked their coverage team with legends of the game.

Sam Burgess is the pick of the pundits, as the Warrington Wolves boss joins BBC regulars Mark Chapman, who will present the broadcast, Kevin Brown, and Robbie Hunter-Paul in providing pre and post-match analysis. Jon Wilkin, Jamie Peacock and Jodie Cunningham will also provide their insight, with Tanya Arnold and Damian Johnson reporting from pitch-side.

In the commentary box, Matt Newsum will lead the play-by-play action, with Super League and NRL legend James Graham making trip over to be a co-commentator. Also on commentary will be Great Britain and Welsh icon Jonathan Davies, recently-departed Bradford Bulls head coach Brian Noble, and John Kear.

Alex Kay-Jelski, the Director of BBC Sport, spoke on how the Ashes returning is great for the sport. He said: “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.  Alongside the live action on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app, we’re diving deeper into the stories, moments and players to take fans right into the heart of the action.”

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