by Reigning world champions Australia are set to tour England in 2025 – the first time in more than 20 years – after late talks over changing the venue of the next Ashes series.
There has not been a traditional three-match series since 2003, when Great Britain lost 3-0 at home while leading with less than five minutes remaining in all matches. That wait appeared to have ended after it was confirmed last year that England would tour Australia. But the series now appears to be set in England.
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Senior Australian officials have contacted the Rugby Football League about the prospect of restarting a traditional Kangaroos tour in 2025 and discussions have apparently reached a positive conclusion. This will give the sport in this country a significant financial boost.
The Ashes have been held regularly since the first series between Great Britain and Australia in 1908. League officials have considered reviving the Lions brand next year, but it will be England, not the Great -Brittany, who will enter the field.
It is understood that one of the three Tests will take place in London, with officials keen to capitalize on what they hope will be a series that will generate momentum given the long gap since the last Ashes. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Wembley are early favorites for the London Test, although Arsenal hosted the World Cup semi-final between England and Samoa in 2022.
It would mean a test in Yorkshire and another in Lancashire, with organizers likely to look beyond its traditional clubs and seek out the major venues.
Officials are hoping for a quick resolution to the negotiations so an announcement can be made as quickly as possible. International football is enjoying a rare boost with the Pacific Cup taking place in the southern hemisphere while England and Samoa play their second and final Test at Headingley on Saturday.
“RL Commercial can confirm that initial conversations have taken place with the ARLC about the possibility of a historic Ashes series being played in England in 2025,” they said.
“We are excited about the possibility of bringing the Kangaroos to these shores for a three-match series for the first time in over 20 years, and we are beginning to work on the feasibility of such a tour.”
