World champions Australia on Wednesday appointed Kevin Walters head coach for the first rugby league Ashes series against England since 2003.
Walters, who was sacked by the Brisbane Broncos last year, takes over the Kangaroos from Mal Meninga who has taken charge of the new Perth Bears franchise.
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Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys said Walters was the right man for the job.
“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,” he said.
“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 played 291 matches with the Canberra Raiders and Brisbane Broncos, winning six Premierships, while featuring in 20 State of Origin games for Queensland and playing 11 Tests.
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Australia face Shaun Wane’s England in three matches starting at Wembley on October 25, with Everton’s new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock in Liverpool and Headingley in Leeds also hosting Tests.
England have not faced Australia since the 2017 World Cup final, which the Kangaroos won 6-0.
Australia also announced that current women’s team coach, Jess Skinner, would extend her tenure with the Jillaroos through to the 2026 World Cup.
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