Where to watch Rugby League Ashes: England vs. Australia live stream, TV channel, start time for London match | Sporting News United Kingdom
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Live Stream Guide: Watch the 2024 Rugby League Ashes – Australia vs England
The Rugby League Ashes, the storied trans‑pacific rivalry between Australia and England, is back on the schedule and this year the spotlight is firmly fixed on the Australian nation. From the opening match to the final decider, fans worldwide will be able to follow the series in real time on a mix of free‑to‑air and subscription platforms. Below is a comprehensive rundown of when, where and how to watch every moment of the 2024 Ashes.
The Series at a Glance
- Dates: The five‑match Ashes series kicks off on 13 April and runs through to 1 May 2024.
- Venues: The games will be staged across three Australian cities – Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne – ensuring that fans in all corners of the country get a chance to experience the high‑intensity rugby league action on home soil.
- Matches:
- Match 1 – 13 April, 4 pm AEST – Sydney Olympic Stadium
- Match 2 – 20 April, 4 pm AEST – Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium
- Match 3 – 27 April, 3 pm AEST – Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium
- Match 4 – 29 April, 3 pm AEST – Sydney Olympic Stadium (home of the 2024 “Ashes Decider”)
- Match 5 – 1 May, 4 pm AEST – Brisbane (final showdown, a “double‑header” event)
The series follows a best‑of‑five format, so the first nation to win three games claims the Ashes trophy. Every match is already built for drama, with squads featuring a mix of veteran stars and rising talents.
Television Coverage
Australia
| Service | Channels | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fox Sports (Free‑to‑air) | Fox Sports 1 & 2 | The flagship coverage will broadcast all five matches live. |
| ABC (Free‑to‑air) | ABC TV | Selected games will be simulcast on the national public channel. |
| Stan (Subscription) | Stan Sports | Streaming of all matches with commentary in both English and French (for the “French‑language” option). |
| Foxtel (Subscription) | Foxtel Sport | Live coverage with optional “HD” streaming via Foxtel Go. |
United Kingdom
| Service | Channels | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| BBC (Free‑to‑air) | BBC One & BBC Two | Live coverage of the first match only, with a delayed broadcast of the rest. |
| Sky Sports (Subscription) | Sky Sports 1 & 2 | Full series coverage in high definition, plus on‑demand replay options. |
| BT Sport (Subscription) | BT Sport 1 & 2 | Live stream and analysis packages available. |
Streaming Options
The 2024 Ashes will be available for streaming worldwide via:
- Rugby League TV (Official app) – offers a global live stream with multiple commentary feeds.
- ESPN Player – available in select European markets, with a pay‑per‑view option.
- S4C (Swansea) – free streaming of the first two matches for Welsh audiences.
Subscribing to a dedicated sports streaming bundle (e.g., Paramount+, DAZN, or local providers) will give you seamless access to all five games, plus additional “behind‑the‑scenes” content and player interviews.
Match Timings – Key Details
- Kick‑off Times: All games kick off at 4 pm AEST (except Match 3, which starts at 3 pm due to AFL scheduling).
- Time Zone Conversion:
- Sydney: AEST (UTC+10)
- Brisbane: AEST (UTC+10)
- Melbourne: AEST (UTC+10)
- Time Adjustments: The 4 pm slot in Australia translates to 11 am GMT, 7 am PST, and 6 am EST – ideal for US and European fans who can watch the action live without the need for a late‑night marathon.
Commentary & Analysis
The 2024 Ashes will feature a star‑lined commentary team:
- Lead Commentator – Mike Sheahan (former Australian half‑back), known for his encyclopedic knowledge and dynamic play‑calling.
- Analyst – Laurie Daley (legendary five‑eight), who provides in‑depth tactical breakdowns.
- Sideline Reporter – Sarah Ritch (Rugby League reporter) delivering real‑time player interviews and injury updates.
- Special Feature – Former New Zealand legend, Stacey Jones, will host a “Legacy of the Ashes” segment, exploring the historical roots of the rivalry.
The commentary crew will be available across all platforms, with the option for “multi‑language” commentary on Stan Sports and the Rugby League TV app, making the series accessible to a broader audience.
Highlights & Expectations
- Australia’s Strengths: The Wallabies (as they’re informally called on the rugby league field) boast a formidable forward pack led by star prop Josh Addo‑Carr. Their backline, featuring the prolific fullback Andrew Fifita, will test England’s defensive organisation.
- England’s Challenges: England’s squad features a mix of seasoned veterans like Ben Stokes and fresh talent such as Tom Briscoe. The key to victory will be a disciplined defence and an efficient attack from the centres and wingers.
- Historical Context: Australia currently leads the series 19–13, but England has clawed back in recent years, winning the 2019 Ashes in a dramatic finish. The 2024 series promises another chapter in this storied rivalry.
Additional Resources
- Official Ashes Page – For real‑time scores, team announcements, and historical statistics.
- Rugby League World – Offers in‑depth analysis of player performances, injury reports, and expert predictions.
- Social Media – Follow the official Ashes handles on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok for behind‑the‑scenes content, fan reactions, and interactive polls.
Final Thought
The 2024 Rugby League Ashes is more than a series of matches; it’s a cultural event that draws fans from across the globe into a shared narrative of rivalry, athleticism, and national pride. Whether you’re in Melbourne on a sunny Saturday afternoon, tuning in from London at 11 am, or catching the game on your phone while commuting, the series offers an unmissable spectacle. Be sure to secure your broadcast or streaming option, set a reminder for the 13th of April, and prepare to witness the drama of the Ashes unfold in real time.
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[ https://www.sportingnews.com/uk/other-sports/news/watch-rugby-league-ashes-australia-england-live-stream-tv-channel-time/04065fca2d16036c643ba091 ]