Australia to face England in Ashes Rugby League series this autumn in a historic return to British soil after more than two decades, with all three Test matches set to be broadcast live on the BBC.
The Kangaroos, reigning world champions, will play England in three back-to-back Saturday fixtures: at Wembley on 25 October, Everton’s new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium on 1 November, and Headingley on 8 November. This marks the first Ashes series between the two rugby league powerhouses since 2003.
Renewal of a legendary rivalry
The highly anticipated showdown comes eight years after their last clash in the 2017 World Cup final, where Australia defeated England 6-0 in Brisbane. England’s 2022 World Cup semi-final loss to Samoa had denied fans a rematch in that tournament’s final, but this year’s series promises a long-awaited return of one of international rugby league’s most iconic rivalries.
Since 2022, England have gone on to dominate Tonga in a 3-0 home series and defeat Samoa in two Test matches in 2024, setting the stage for a fierce contest against the world champions.
Ashes return fuels optimism amid governance uncertainty
The announcement offers a much-needed boost to the Rugby Football League amid ongoing questions around its leadership and governance. For supporters, the Ashes return represents both nostalgia and a revival of top-tier international rugby league competition.
The 2003 series was played against Great Britain, prior to the brand’s dissolution in 2006. Since then, competitions like the Tri-Nations and Four Nations had filled the void, while State of Origin and Australia’s domestic NRL gained prominence in the southern hemisphere.
Yet the success of the 2022 World Cup hosted in England and the growth of the Pacific Championships have helped reignite the Australian team’s passion for international duty, culminating in this landmark three-Test tour.
Major venues reflect fan demand
England’s previous series against Tonga and Samoa were well supported, but played in venues with capacities under 25,000. This time, the RFL and RL Commercial have opted for much larger stadiums, reflecting expected high interest in the return of the Kangaroos.
Wembley Stadium, home of the Challenge Cup final, holds special significance in rugby league history. Memorable England and Great Britain victories there in 1990, 1994, and 1995 remain iconic, while Australia also boast an impressive record at the venue, winning the World Cup in both 1992 and 1995.
Everton’s Bramley-Moore Dock will be hosting international rugby league for the first time, adding a modern twist to the historic rivalry. Meanwhile, Headingley remains a cornerstone for England rugby league, having hosted numerous Test and World Cup matches.
A major milestone for international rugby league
This series is expected to reignite fan passion and media interest in international rugby league. With high-profile venues, live national broadcasts, and a renewal of one of the sport’s most storied rivalries, the Ashes return in 2025 is set to be one of the most significant events in the modern era of the game.
