Rugby League Ashes Series Returns After 22-Year Hiatus

After a 22-year hiatus, the Rugby League Ashes Series between England and Australia returns today, October 25, 2025, with the first Test match set to take place at London's Wembley Stadium. This revival marks a significant moment in rugby league history, as England aims to end a 55-year series win drought against the Kangaroos.

The series comprises three Test matches:

• First Test: October 25 at Wembley Stadium, London.
• Second Test: November 1 at Everton's new Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool.
• Third Test: November 8 at Headingley Stadium, Leeds.

The latter two venues are completely sold out, reflecting the high public interest in the series. (rugby-league.com)

The Rugby League Ashes dates back to 1908, with the most recent series held in 2003, where Australia secured a 3-0 victory on English soil. Historically, Great Britain has won 19 series, while Australia has claimed 20, including the last 13 consecutive series from 1970 to 2003. This series marks the first time the competition will be contested by England alone, rather than Great Britain. (rugby-league.com)

England's head coach, Shaun Wane, has named a 24-player squad for the series, notably excluding Leeds Rhinos' Man of Steel winner Jake Connor. Wane has opted for halfbacks Mikey Lewis, Harry Smith, and captain George Williams, citing their strong performances against Tonga and Samoa. (rugby-league.com)

On the Australian side, coach Kevin Walters has introduced several promising new players, including Reece Walsh, who starred in the NRL Grand Final, and top try-scorer Mark Nawaqanitawase. Nawaqanitawase, a dual-code international, transitioned from rugby union to league after the 2023 Rugby World Cup and led the league in tries during his first full season. (rugby-league.com)

England forward Victor Radley has withdrawn from the series following a 10-game ban and a fine from his club, the Sydney Roosters, due to his involvement in a drug probe. (rugby-league.com)

The series has generated substantial public interest, with Wembley expecting a crowd of 60,000 for the opening match. The matches will be broadcast live on BBC One in the UK, with streaming available via BBC iPlayer. (rugby-league.com)

The weather forecast for London on October 25 indicates mostly sunny conditions with temperatures around 51°F (10°C), providing favorable conditions for the match.

The revival of the Ashes Series not only rekindles a historic sporting rivalry but also serves as a significant cultural event, uniting fans and communities in both nations. The series offers England an opportunity to challenge Australia's longstanding supremacy in rugby league, potentially inspiring a new generation of players and fans.

As the teams prepare to take the field, the anticipation is palpable. Fans from both nations eagerly await the outcome of this historic series, hopeful that it will live up to the legacy of past encounters and perhaps even create new legends in the annals of rugby league history.