After a 22-year hiatus, the Rugby League Ashes returned in October 2025 with a three-Test series between England and Australia. The Kangaroos swept the series 3–0, confirming their dominance and retaining the trophy. This guide covers everything from fixtures and ticket availability to squad selections and historical context.
When and Where Are the England vs Australia Rugby League Ashes 2025 Matches?
Series Dates
Three consecutive Saturdays from 25 October to 8 November 2025.
Venues
Wembley Stadium (London), Hill Dickinson Stadium (Liverpool), Headingley (Leeds).
Defending Champions
Australia held the Ashes from the 2003 series and retained them with a 3–0 win.
Ticket Status
Second and third Tests sold out. Wembley tickets were still available through official channels.
- The 2025 Ashes marked the first official series between England and Australia since 2003 – a 22-year gap.
- The series was part of a broader revival of international rugby league after the 2021 World Cup.
- Both teams fielded strong squads featuring NRL and Super League stars.
- Wembley Stadium hosted the opener, drawing major interest and high ticket demand.
- All three Tests were broadcast live on BBC TV.
- Australia secured the Ashes with a victory in the second Test, taking an unassailable 2–0 lead.
- Reported total ticket sales reached 110,000, with Wembley sales hitting 50,000 before the match.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Series Name | ABK Beer Rugby League Ashes |
| Number of Tests | 3 |
| First Test Date | Saturday 25 October 2025 |
| Venues (confirmed) | Wembley Stadium, Hill Dickinson Stadium, Headingley |
| Defending Champion | Australia (won 2003 series 3–0) |
| Last Series Year | 2003 |
| Overall Ashes wins (Australia vs Great Britain/England) | Australia leads 20–19 (including drawn series) |
| Kick-off Times | All Tests at 2:30pm GMT |
| Broadcaster | BBC TV |
| Series Result | Australia 3 – England 0 |
How many Tests are in the Rugby League Ashes 2025 series?
The series consisted of three Test matches played on three consecutive Saturdays. The first Test took place on 25 October at Wembley, the second on 1 November at Hill Dickinson Stadium, and the third on 8 November at Headingley.
Which stadiums will host the 2025 Ashes matches?
Three venues were confirmed by the Rugby Football League: Wembley Stadium in London hosted the opener; Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool (initially referenced as Everton Stadium or Bramley-Moore Dock during planning) hosted the second Test; and Headingley in Leeds hosted the final Test.
What are the confirmed kick-off times for each Test?
All three Tests kicked off at 2:30pm GMT. The consistent start time allowed fans and broadcasters to plan accordingly.
How Can I Buy England vs Australia Rugby League 2025 Tickets?
Which official sources sell Rugby League Ashes tickets?
Tickets were available through the official Rugby Football League website and venue-specific pages. The Rugby Football League (Official) served as the primary source for all ticket information.
When do tickets for England vs Australia rugby league go on sale?
Ticket sales began ahead of the series, with the second and third Tests reported as sold out by the time the official fan guide was published. Wembley was the only match still available through official channels at that point.
Are hospitality packages available for the Ashes series?
Official and hospitality-style packages were offered through partners such as SportsBreaks. These packages included combinations of ticket plus hotel, or ticket plus travel. Wembley and Liverpool packages both included Category 1 tickets. Accessible supporters could pre-register interest for Wembley tickets.
Demand for Wembley tickets was described as extremely high. The second Test at Hill Dickinson Stadium drew around 60,000 in attendance, based on match commentary.
What Was the Score of the Last England v Australia Rugby League Match?
Recent England vs Australia rugby league results
The 2025 Ashes series results were as follows: Australia won the first Test at Wembley, won the second Test at Hill Dickinson Stadium to take an unassailable series lead, and won the third Test at Headingley 30–8. One earlier Test was won 14–4 by Australia.
All-time head-to-head: England vs Australia in Test matches
The Ashes series dates back to 1908. Historically, the contest was between Great Britain and Australia. By series history, the Great Britain/England side has 19 series wins, while Australia has 20. Australia had won the last 13 consecutive series before 2025.
Biggest wins and memorable clashes
The teams had not played a competitive match since the 2017 Rugby League World Cup Final, which Australia won 6–0. The Wikipedia – Men’s rugby league Ashes page provides a comprehensive historical record.
Who Will Play for England and Australia in the 2025 Ashes?
England Rugby League squad for the 2025 Ashes
England’s squad, coached by Shaun Wane, included AJ Brimson at fullback, Harry Smith and Callum Watkins returning to the side, and Mikolleski and Morgan Smithies added to the bench. Victor Radley ruled himself out of selection in September 2025.
Australia Kangaroos squad for the 2025 Ashes
Australia’s squad included Lindsay Collins and Lindsay Smith, with Smith moving to the bench in the second Test lineup. Australia were described as the current world champions heading into the series.
Key players and rising stars to watch
For England, AJ Brimson’s return at fullback was a notable selection. Harry Smith and Callum Watkins brought experience. For Australia, Lindsay Collins and Lindsay Smith were key figures in the forward pack.
Victor Radley ruled himself out of England selection in September 2025. Official squad announcements were made closer to the series start date.
What Is the History of the Rugby League Ashes?
Origins of the Rugby League Ashes (1908–2003)
The Ashes contest dates back to 1908. It is traditionally played between Great Britain and Australia. The Sky Sports – England vs Australia Match Report (2024) provides insight into recent competitive history.
Why the Ashes series was paused
The last full Ashes series before 2025 was in 2003, when Australia won 3–0 in England. The series was paused for over two decades due to scheduling conflicts and competition priorities, including the Rugby League World Cup cycle.
The return of the Ashes in 2025
The 2025 series represented the first time the contest was played by England rather than Great Britain. The Wembley Stadium official page described it as: “The ABK Beer Rugby League Ashes returns to England in October 2025.”
Notable Ashes series and moments
Australia has won 20 series to Great Britain/England’s 19. The Kangaroos had won 13 consecutive series before 2025. The first Ashes series was held in England in 1908.
How Can I Watch the England vs Australia Rugby League Ashes Live?
UK TV and streaming options for the Rugby League Ashes
All three Tests were shown live on BBC TV. The Wembley Stadium – Ashes Event Page confirmed the series details and broadcast arrangements.
All three Tests were broadcast live on BBC TV. International broadcast rights were expected to be announced closer to the series.
Timeline of the Rugby League Ashes Series
- : First Ashes series played in England between Great Britain and Australia.
- : A significant series in the historic rivalry, with Australia establishing dominance.
- : Last Ashes series before the 2025 revival. Australia won 3–0 in England.
- : The teams met in the Rugby League World Cup Final, with Australia winning 6–0.
- : Rugby League World Cup held in England, sparking momentum for international fixtures.
- : First Test at Wembley Stadium. Australia won.
- : Second Test at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Australia won, securing the Ashes.
- : Third Test at Headingley. Australia won 30–8, completing the 3–0 sweep.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Uncertain About the 2025 Ashes?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Three Test matches were played in October/November 2025. | Exact dates for each Test were confirmed only as the series progressed. |
| The series was officially named the ABK Beer Rugby League Ashes. | Whether a women’s Ashes series was also played alongside the men’s. |
| Wembley Stadium, Hill Dickinson Stadium, and Headingley hosted the Tests. | Kick-off times for all matches were confirmed as 2:30pm GMT. |
| Australia was the defending champion from the 2003 series. | Official squad announcements were made closer to the series. |
| All Tests were broadcast live on BBC TV. | Detailed ticket pricing and on-sale dates were announced ahead of the series. |
| Australia won the series 3–0. | Broadcast rights for international markets were confirmed separately. |
Why Does the Rugby League Ashes Matter in 2025?
The return of the Ashes series strengthened international rugby league by re-establishing a regular cross-hemisphere rivalry. England reached the World Cup final in 2021, while Australia won that tournament and entered the series as world champions. Hosting matches at iconic venues like Wembley drew large crowds and generated significant revenue. The International Rugby League (Official) website outlines the broader context for international competition.
What Do the Key Sources Say About the 2025 Ashes?
“The ABK Beer Rugby League Ashes returns to England in October 2025. The Lions and Kangaroos will go head-to-head in a three Test Match Series for the first time…”
Wembley Stadium Official Page
“The Ashes series is a best-of-three series of test matches between Australia and England national rugby league football teams.”
Wikipedia – Men’s rugby league Ashes
“England 8 – 30 Australia (Match Report, 8 Nov 2024)”
Sky Sports
Final Summary of the England vs Australia Rugby League Ashes 2025
The 2025 Rugby League Ashes was a major international event: the first Ashes series since 2003, played across three Tests in England at Wembley, Hill Dickinson Stadium, and Headingley. Australia confirmed its dominance by winning the series 3–0, with England’s squad featuring AJ Brimson, Harry Smith, and Callum Watkins under coach Shaun Wane. For more sporting events, check our guide on When Is Wimbledon 2025 – Dates, Schedule and Key Facts.
Frequently Asked Questions About England vs Australia Rugby League
What is the Rugby League Ashes trophy?
The Ashes trophy represents the rivalry between England and Australia. The original trophy was introduced in 1908, and a new trophy was created for the 2025 series.
When was the last Rugby League Ashes series?
The last full Ashes series before 2025 was in 2003, when Australia defeated England 3–0. The series was paused for 22 years.
How many times have England won the Ashes?
England have won the Ashes 8 times (as Great Britain), Australia 12, with 2 drawn series, based on historical records.
Will there be a women’s Ashes series in 2025?
As of now, no official announcement has been made regarding a women’s series alongside the men’s Ashes. This remains uncertain.
Are the England vs Australia rugby league matches sold out?
The second and third Tests were sold out. Wembley tickets remained available through official sources, though demand was high.
Who coached England in the 2025 Ashes?
Shaun Wane was England’s head coach for the 2025 Ashes series.
Which player ruled themselves out of the England squad?
Victor Radley ruled himself out of selection in September 2025.
What was the attendance for the second Test?
The second Test at Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool had around 60,000 in attendance.
Where can I find official rugby league information?
The Rugby Football League website is the official source for all England rugby league news and fixtures.
How can I watch a replay of the 2025 Ashes?
All three Tests were broadcast live on BBC TV. Replay availability depends on BBC iPlayer and international broadcasters.
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Freya Bishop covers culture, lifestyle, society and human-interest reporting for UKBullet.uk.