Kangaroos set to tour as part of revived RL Ashes

The Kangaroos are set to tour England for the first time in over 20 years as part of a revival of rugby league's Ashes series. The Rugby Football League (RFL) confirmed late on Monday (AEDT) that talks were ongoing with the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) to stage the first Ashes series since 2003. Previously, England were expected to head to the southern hemisphere next year as part of the build-up towards the 2026 World Cup.

But the RFL said that they were in conversations that would mean Australia travel to England to contest a three-Test Ashes series. "RL Commercial can confirm­ initial conversations have been held with the ARLC about the possibility of an historic Ashes series being played in England in 2025," the RFL said. "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.



"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 Kangaroos have played England just four times in the last decade, winning each Test. Australia's openness to touring also opens up the possibility of scheduling mouthwatering Tests between Samoa and Tonga in the southern hemisphere next year.

The Pacific nations have reinvigorated the international game in recent years but have played just one standalone Test since the 2017 World Cup..