‘Rugby League tradition revived’ – England v Australia Ashes as dates, stadiums and broadcast details revealed

This autumn’s England versus Australia Ashes series sees a ‘rugby league tradition revived’ according to one of the leading organisers with details of the three-game series revealed.

After months of speculation, as well as worry among some that it simply would not happen, the Ashes Test series between England and Australia has finally been confirmed.

Shaun Wane’s England will host the world champions, Australia, across three weekends in late October and early November as the Ashes are contested for the first time since 2003.

That 22-year hiatus has meant that a whole generation of rugby league fans has not witnessed what Peter V’landys has dubbed “one of the great rugby league traditions”, however, the wait is finally over.

The three Test series will start at Wembley Stadium on October 25th, head to Everton’s new Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium on November 1st, before concluding in the heartlands at Leeds Rhinos’ Headingley Stadium a week later.

All three games will be broadcast on BBC One whilst tickets will go on priority sale on April 2nd and general sale on April 14th, with details available here.

‘Rugby League tradition revived’ – England v Australia Ashes details revealed

📅 All the key dates for ticketing of the @ABKBeer Rugby League Ashes!

👇 Support #EnglandRL and register your interest in tickets now… pic.twitter.com/2mFmIPVFVT

— England Rugby League (@England_RL) March 26, 2025

Those involved in bringing about the return of the rugby league Ashes have also had their say with the string-pullers involved in both England and Australia releasing statements, including RL Commercial’s Rhodri Jones.

“This is the news we’ve all been waiting for – everyone in the England set-up, and tens of thousands of England Rugby League fans,” he said.

“We welcome back Mal Meninga and the Kangaroos to England for an Ashes series, and we have three fantastic venues which will showcase the very best of International Rugby League.

“After 22 years this is rivalry reignited that will have a truly national resonance as England look to regain the Rugby League Ashes.”

The last time that England faced off against Australia was in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup final, a game that the Aussies won 6-0 but this confirmed Ashes series means that we get to see three games in short succession to make up for that lengthy lay-off.

ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys AM said Kangaroo Tours have produced some of greatest moments in the history of the game, stating: “We are proud to revive one of the great Rugby League traditions with the first Ashes series and Kangaroo Tour of England in 22 years.

“The ARLC believes in the international game and the Commission was behind this historic tour to support the growth of the game in the North.

“Kangaroos Tours are an iconic part of Rugby League folklore and have always delivered thrilling contests. The current generation of Kangaroos players have never experienced the magic of a Kangaroos Tour, and I’m delighted that they will have a chance to cement their own legacy alongside the greats of the past.”

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo added: “The Kangaroos have not toured the UK since 2003 and this series will take international Rugby League to the next level.

“The Ashes has such a storied history, with so many legendary moments that make up the fabric of Rugby League across multiple generations. A Kangaroos Tour unites the Rugby League southern and northern hemispheres and is an incredible opportunity to grow the international game.”