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After a 22-year hiatus, the Kangaroos are reportedly set to travel to England in 2025 to compete for Ashes glory. That’s according to The Daily Telegraph , who are reporting that both nations’ governing bodies, the Australian Rugby League Commission and Rugby Football League, are considering reviving the historic tour. What’s more, the IRL is reportedly aware of the Kangaroos’ desire to contest the Ashes in England for the first time since 2003.
Watch every game of the 2024 Pacific Championships with expert analysis LIVE with no ad-breaks during play, on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today > However, the tour won’t be like those that proceeded it. Due to concerns of player welfare, it is unlikely the Kangaroos will play additional games against club sides such as Wigan or St Helens.
Australia will also play against England, not Great Britain. It was previously announced at an International Rugby League board meeting that England would be touring Australia in 2025, leading into the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. Those plans have been put on hold following the announcement of Australia as host of the 2026 World Cup after France’s withdrawal due to financial concerns.
In a statement overnight, the RFL confirmed initial conversations with the ARLC have commenced about the Ashes revival. “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 statement read. “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.
MORE NRL NEWS CRAWLEY: Bold switch that can make Lomax a ‘superstar’; Mam should sit season TALKING POINTS: Mal’s big ‘luxury’ call looms for final; Eels’ Lomax predicament WHISPERS: Rising Storm star’s shock move as succession clause floated on next deal “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 Ashes have given league fans some classic moments, such as current Australian coach Mal Meninga’s long-range try to save the series in 1990 and the memorable undefeated Australian tours in 1982 and 1986. Australia haven’t lost an Ashes series since 1970 and haven’t lost on British soil to England since 2004.
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