The Australian Rugby League made the decision on Wednesday after team manager Darrell Bampton had consulted all 24 players selected for the tour.

Several players are understood to have voiced concerns about their own personal safety and the prospect of being stranded in England.

Captain Brad Fittler and full-back Darren Lockyer had voiced their fears about the tour.

"It just makes me nervous. I don't fear that anything will happen but I just don't want to be stuck over there," said Lockyer

The party was due to leave on Saturday, with the first of the three-Test series scheduled to be played at Bolton on 3 November.

ARL chairman Colin Love said: "I can understand the feelings of concern by the players and their families and appreciate the way they approached the matter.

"I know for many of them it was their first opportunity to tour and that they also feel a profound sense of disappointment.

"I have phoned Greg McCallum from the Rugby Football League to inform him of the decision and he, whilst disappointed, understands the reasons behind the decision.

"We are still in the early days of this conflict and whilst there is so much uncertainty it is prudent we do not go."

It would have been the first Ashes series in seven years, and RFL chairman Sir Rodney Walker says the cancellation will have serious consequences.

"We will need time to reflect on short and long term implications of the Australian Rugby League's decision," he said.

"Some of the implications are very serious for both the Rugby Football League and the international game.

"There's no doubt that the Australian decision is a bitter blow to the whole international game."

The decision to cancel the tour will also have massive financial repercussions.

Love has already made it clear that, in the circumstances, he does not expect any legal action by the RFL.

But Walker says: "I do hope the Australian game as a whole is fully aware of the impact this decision will have on the game outside their country."

RFL director of rugby Greg McCallum had tried to assure the Australians that there is no threat to their safety but his efforts proved in vain.

"Nobody could have done more to assure them of their safety and security while in this country," added Walker.