Kangaroos in talks with England to contest Ashes in 2025

The Kangaroos and England could contest the Ashes for the first time in 22 years, with talks of a 2025 tour developing between the two nations’ governing bodies for rugby league this week.

“RL Commercial can confirm initial conversations have been held with the ARLC (Australian Rugby League Commission) about the possibility of an historic Ashes Series being played in England in 2025,” the Rugby Football League said in a statement on Monday.

“We are excited by 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 starting work on the feasibility of such a tour.”

The two nations last played for the historic trophy in 2003, with Australia winning 3-0 to extend their win streak to 13 Ashes series in a row.

If the proposed 2025 Ashes tour does go ahead, it would be with some modifications — chief of which would be Australia playing England, as opposed to Great Britain.

The English side had originally intended to tour Australia in 2025, but those plans were cancelled after hosting rights for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup switched from France to Australia.

“We believe this would be welcomed by our England team, by British Rugby League supporters, by the British sporting public, and by the current generation of Australia players who would relish the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of so many great players of the past,” the statement continued.

Both teams are in the midst of international action, with England defeating Samoa 34-18 on Sunday and the Kangaroos beating the Kiwis 22-10 in the Pacific Cup.

England face Samoa again this Saturday, and top online bookmakers have them as -625 favourites to back up their victory and close out the series 2-0.

Australia will have the weekend off before playing either New Zealand or Tonga in the Pacific Cup final in Sydney on Sunday, November 10.

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