The Kangaroos coaching saga is finally over with Kevin Walters appointed to replace Mal Meninga as Australian coach for the 2025 Ashes Tour.

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“The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) has confirmed Kevin Walters as the new Kangaroos coach for the 2025 Ashes Tour,” the ARLC confirmed in a statement.

“The ARLC also extended the tenure of current Jillaroos coach Jess Skinner through the 2026 World Cup.”

ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys AM said he was pleased to confirm two highly-respected and talented people to guide the Australian national teams.

“The Commission is very pleased to confirm Kevin Walters as the Kangaroos coach for this historic series,” Mr V’landys said.

“As Kangaroo number 612, Walters is very well placed to lead the national team on a historic tour to the UK.

“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.

“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.

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“Jess Skinner had significant success in her first outing as Jillaroos coach in Las Vegas earlier this year. Jess has progressed through the coaching pathways and is a fantastic choice to lead Australia’s most prolific national women’s team until the end of the World Cup.”

Walters played 291 matches through a first-grade career with Canberra Raiders and Brisbane Broncos, winning six Premierships through his career. He played 20 State of Origin games for Queensland, as well as 11 Test matches for the Kangaroos. He was part of the 1990 and 1994 Kangaroo Tours.

Walters said he was looking forward to guiding the Kangaroos in an Ashes Tour.

“It is truly an honour and a privilege to be able to coach the Kangaroos on such a stage,” Walters said. “Playing on a Kangaroos Tour was always a pinnacle as a player, so to be able to lead the best of the best in this environment is very humbling and obviously very exciting.

“This series will be an important step for the growth of international Rugby League and for the Kangaroos. I can’t wait to get started.”

Skinner said: “I’ve really enjoyed the chance to coach at this level so to be given the opportunity to coach the Jillaroos through the 2026 World Cup is incredibly exciting. The women’s game is experiencing continued and significant growth so to be part of the journey at this level is a real honour.”

The Ashes Tour will include Test matches at Wembley Stadium (October 25), Everton Stadium (November 1) and Headingley (November 8), while the Jillaroos will compete for the Pacific Championships in October this year.