Rugby: Ashes series still on the cards

The Rugby Football League has acted to dispel fears over the Ashes series in November.

Australian club Penrith Panthers have postponed an under-18 tour to Britain in the wake of the terrorist attacks in America and the league have received a number of enquiries about the seven-match tour by the Kangaroos.

RFL director of rugby Greg McCallum said: ‘‘There is no cause for concern at the moment, although we are in constant touch with Australian Rugby League chairman Colin Love.

‘‘There are no signs that the Australians are committed to anything other than coming but we are taking advice constantly from the Government. We are reviewing events on the world stage on a day-to-day basis.’’

Australia open the first Ashes tour for seven years with a game against reigning Super League champions St Helens on October 20 and meet Great Britain in Tests at Huddersfield, Bolton and Wigan.