THE AUSTRALIAN Rugby League has bowed to pressure and agreed to play an amended Ashes series in England.

The series had initially been called off after the touring party voted 19-5 in favour of a postponement.

But after being asked to reconsider the tour will now go ahead in an abridged format.

Gone are the four matches against club sides, meaning the series will now comprise just the three international matches against Great Britain - starting with the clash at the McAlpine Stadium, Huddersfield, on November 11.

The news comes as a relief to a British Rugby League hierarchy still reeling after the loss making World Cup.

The change of heart came after six days of hard lobbying, both from Britain and internally within Australia.

However some players are thought to still be reluctant to make the trip and the ARL has confirmed that the stars will be allowed to make their own decision over whether or not to make the trip.

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