Reece Walsh, Kangaroos hit London shops, Buckingham Palace before first Ashes series

Broncos star Reece Walsh has traded training for tourism, visiting London landmarks and luxury stores as the Kangaroos prepare for their first Ashes series in 22 years. See the photos.

Brisbane Broncos’ star Reece Walsh has been soaking up the sites of London making a visit to Buckingham Palace and dropping in to high-end department stores ahead of the historic Ashes series.

The 23-year-old shared on Instagram a photo outside the famous royal residence in central London alongside his Kangaroos’ teammates ahead of the weekend’s clash against England, wearing an expensive Dior bumbag which starts from £1300 ($A2660).

Reese Walsh and Kangaroo teammates outside of Buckingham Palace. Picture: Supplied

Reece Walsh sharing some pics of the Kangaroos trip to London. Picture: Supplied

Walsh – one of league’s biggest stars – gave the peace sign as he posed alongside Kangaroos’ players including former Wallaby Mark Nawaqanitawase, Kotoni Staggs, Angus Crichton, Keaon Koloamatangi and Patrick Carrigan.

The team arrived in London last week for the first rugby league Ashes series in 22 years and they have been busy with around-the-clock training schedules ahead of the first Ashes’ clash at Wembley Stadium on Saturday (Sunday AEDT).

Earlier in the week the Kangaroos were welcomed to Australia House at a reception led by Australian High Commissioner Stephen Smith.

Kangaroos’ coach Kevin Walters said he is “enjoying the challenge of coaching” ahead of the historic sporting event.

“Whether it’s in club land, State of Origin or particularly now my first time opportunity to coach Australia, working with these guys is a real pleasure,” he said.

“We’ve got a big, strong and healthy squad which I’m very happy with and we’ll see that squad perform in the next three weeks.

Mark Nawaqanitawase, Josh Addo-Carr and Reece Walsh arrive at Australia House in London. Picture: NRL

“Some of them have seen Kangaroos tours and Ashes series but none of them have really played in them much so it’s their time in the jersey to cement their place in history for Australia and the Kangaroos”.

Walsh also managed to squeeze in some time away from training to hit London’s top department stores with Kangaroos’ teammate and fellow Broncos’ star Gehamat Shibasaki and American hip-hop artist Tjayy while browsing lavish Burberry items.

Reece Walsh trains ahead of the first Ashes test against England. Picture: Supplied

The three test series will see the Kangaroos play at Wembley, then the second clash is at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool on November 1 and AMT Headingley Stadium in Leeds on November 8.

More than 60,000 fans are expected to attend the first clash at Wembley on Saturday and the second and third matches have both sold out.

On Saturday it’s expected to be 11 degrees and sunny when the first clash kicks off at 2.30pm (Sunday 12.30am).

Originally published as Reece Walsh, Kangaroos hit London shops, Buckingham Palace before first Ashes series