Ashes series to return with England to tour Australia in 2025

International Rugby League met in Singapore at the weekend to discuss the future of the international game, something that rugby league fans have long lamented as not being strong enough, and the IRL have delivered for the fans confirming a calendar till 2030 which includes an Ashes series to return.

The traditional Ashes played for in cricket has just finished with one of the most entertaining series in history concluding as a draw at two wins a piece, but Ashes rugby league is also a brilliant spectacle, one that is just as intense but one that fans have been missing for a long time.

Confirmation from the IRL that the Ashes tours will resume is a huge boost for the sport with both England men and women’s teams set to tour Australia in 2025.

It will be the first time that England women have faced Australia since 2013, ending a 12 year wait and it will see the men clash for the first time since the 2017 World Cup Final which Australia edged 6-0.

The statement from the IRL, specifically on the Ashes read as follows:

“An IRL board meeting in Singapore has agreed to a new calendar to 2030 aimed at capitalising on the growth of the international game.

“There will also be more international tours, with the return of the Ashes in 2025 when England Men’s and Women’s teams travel to Australia.

“The Kiwis and Kangaroos will head north to play England in 2027 and 2028 respectively.

“Further details about those tournaments and other international fixtures in the next five years will be announced by participating nations in coming weeks after consultation with IRL member nations.”

IRL Chair, Troy Grant said: “The Ashes return, with England Men’s and Women’s teams to tour Australia in 2025, while international tours are back, with Tonga heading to England in 2023 in an historic start to the new era.”

RFL Chair Simon Johnson said: “I am delighted that we have been able to bring certainty and growth opportunities to the international game by agreeing a long-term calendar.

“I am grateful to all my colleagues on the IRL Board for the constructive and collegiate spirit displayed in our discussions that have enabled us to confirm such exciting tours and enable the international game to fulfil its potential.

“This is a very exciting day for the game of Rugby League.”