After more than two decades, Australia‘s rugby league team is set to return to England for an Ashes series, marking a significant moment in the sport’s history. The long-anticipated series will see England and Australia face off in three Test matches. This tour is the first of its kind since 2003, a period during which international clashes between these two rugby league giants have been scarce.
The series will kick off on October 25 at Wembley Stadium, followed by a match at Everton’s Bramley-Moore Dock stadium on November 1, with the final encounter taking place at Headingley on November 8. These fixtures offer England an opportunity to challenge the reigning world champions and reignite a rivalry that has been dormant since the 2017 Rugby League World Cup final, where Australia triumphed with a dominant 6-0 victory in Brisbane.
The absence of the Ashes series from the international rugby league calendar can be traced back to structural changes in the sport. A short-lived revival of the Great Britain rugby league team occurred in 2019. During this period, tournaments such as the Tri-Nations and later the Four Nations emerged, reducing opportunities for England to face Australia in Test rugby.
Additionally, in the Southern Hemisphere, the popularity of State of Origin matches between New South Wales and Queensland overshadowed international competition. The NRL’s dominance also played a role in limiting Test fixtures against England. However, the success of the 2022 Rugby League World Cup in England, along with the growth of the Pacific Championships featuring New Zealand, Tonga, Samoa, and Australia, has helped revive interest in the traditional Ashes rivalry.
Since their 2022 World Cup campaign, England has worked to establish their credentials on the international stage. A 3-0 series victory over Tonga and two Test wins against Samoa in 2024 demonstrated the team’s strength under head coach Shaun Wane. However, the upcoming Ashes Test series represents the toughest challenge England has faced in years.
For Australia, the commitment to a full three-Test tour signals a renewed enthusiasm for international rugby league. The experience gained from their time in England during the World Cup is believed to have strengthened their bond as a squad, reinforcing their passion for wearing the green and gold jersey.
The selection of Wembley Stadium, Bramley-Moore Dock, and Headingley as host venues highlights the anticipation surrounding Australia’s visit. The previous series against Tonga and Samoa was played in stadiums with a capacity of up to 25,000, largely within rugby league’s traditional heartland in the north of England. However, the Ashes series is expected to attract significantly larger crowds.
Wembley, which seats 90,000 spectators, holds a special place in rugby league history as the long-time home of the Challenge Cup final. It has also been the site of memorable Ashes victories, including Great Britain’s triumphs in 1990 and 1994, along with England’s success in the 1995 Rugby League World Cup. For Australia, the stadium has been the stage for World Cup wins in 1992 and 1995, further adding to its significance.
The second Test will be played at Everton’s Bramley-Moore Dock stadium, a modern venue hosting its first-ever rugby league fixture. While new to the sport, Everton’s previous home, Goodison Park, was a key venue for Australian matches in the early 20th century.
Headingley, a historic stronghold of rugby league in England, will stage the final Test. The stadium has a rich history of hosting Ashes games and World Cup fixtures, making it a fitting venue for the climax of the series.
The announcement of the 2025 Ashes series comes at a time of change and uncertainty for the sport’s governing bodies. Questions remain over governance and structural changes within the Rugby Football League (RFL) and RL Commercial, but the confirmation of this series provides a much-needed boost for the international game.
With both teams eager to prove themselves on the world stage, the series promises to be a thrilling spectacle. For England, it is an opportunity to test their progress against the world champions, while for Australia, it is a chance to reaffirm their status as the dominant force in rugby league. Fans on both sides can expect intense, high-quality matches as the Ashes rivalry is finally reignited.
