Ashes series in doubt as NRL could run until November

This autumn’s Ashes series between England and Australia is in doubt, with the NRL season possibly being played until November.

The UK rugby league season has been suspended indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic, while the NRL has announced they will resume play on May 28.

With the NRL having already missed a couple of rounds due to the lockdown, it is likely that the competition will run beyond the usual Grand Final date in October.

England are scheduled to host Australia in a three-match Ashes series this autumn, with the games taking place at Bolton (October 31), Leeds (November 7) and Tottenham (November 14).

RLPA chief Clint Newton told NRL.com: “We also have to strike a balance of ‘we’re doing this for this year’, but you also want to rebound next year with a high-quality competition.

“You would suggest that playing up to November becomes a very real possibility.”

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