ABK Ashes Series Confirmed

[josie andrews]

IT’S OFFICIAL. RUGBY LEAGUE COMMERCIAL TODAY CONFIRMS THAT THE RUGBY LEAGUE ASHES WILL RETURN THIS AUTUMN AFTER A 22-YEAR ABSENCE – WITH ENGLAND PLAYING A THREE-TEST SERIES AGAINST THE KANGAROOS AT WEMBLEY STADIUM, THE NEW EVERTON STADIUM AT BRAMLEY MOORE DOCK AND AMT HEADINGLEY LEEDS.

The ABK Beer Ashes Series will be played on three consecutive Saturday afternoons – October 25, November 1 and November 8 – with each kicking off at 230pm (GMT) and shown live on BBC One.

The venues combine the rich Rugby League and Ashes heritage of Wembley and Headingley with an exciting new stadium for the sport – the state-of-the-art development on Liverpool’s waterfront which will become Everton Football Club’s new home this summer.

With huge demand expected, fans are urged to pre-register before 23:59 pm on Tuesday 1st April for early access to the best-priced tickets through a priority window opening on Wednesday 2nd April (12 pm) – before they go on general sale on April 14.

Before then, England’s most loyal supporters will have the first opportunity to secure their tickets in a 48-hour priority window opening Monday 31st March – with anyone who has bought a ticket for an England international in the last decade, including the Rugby League World Cup in 2022, able to purchase tickets for any of the three Tests.

Rhodri Jones, Rugby League Commercial Managing Director, said: “This is the news we’ve all been waiting for – everyone in the England set-up, and tens of thousands of England Rugby League fans. We welcome back Mal Meninga and the Kangaroos to England for an Ashes series, and we have three fantastic venues which will showcase the very best of International Rugby League.

“After 22 years this is rivalry reignited that will have a truly national resonance as England look to regain the Rugby League Ashes.”

ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys AM said Kangaroo Tours have produced some of greatest moments in the history of the game.

“We are proud to revive one of the great Rugby League traditions with the first Ashes series and Kangaroo Tour of England in 22 years. The ARLC believes in the international game and the Commission was behind this historic tour to support the growth of the game in the North.

“Kangaroo Tours are an iconic part of Rugby League folklore and have always delivered thrilling contests. The current generation of Kangaroos players have never experienced the magic of a Kangaroo Tour, and I’m delighted that they will have a chance to cement their own legacy alongside the greats of the past.”

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said the first Kangaroo tour of England since 2022 will excite fans on both sides of the globe.

“The Kangaroos have not toured the UK since 2003 and this series will take international Rugby League to the next level.

“The Ashes has such a storied history, with so many legendary moments that make up the fabric of Rugby League across multiple generations. A Kangaroo Tour unites the Rugby League southern and northern hemispheres and is an incredible opportunity to grow the international game.”

https://wiganwarriors.com/blog/2025/03/ ... confirmed/

[endoman]

Good, now let's get behind them.

[Ipinwigan]

It will be interesting to see how much they are going to price the tickets at, they might well put people off going, especially to Wembley.

[the pieman]

made up its all announced and gives plenty of time to sort out buying tickets etc

disappointed with Headingley for the final test though, its almost as though they are expecting the series to be over and done with so lets have the smallest crowd for the final game

[fozzie58]

Good to finally have in confirmation of the tests we will be going but “huge” demand expected we shall wait and see

[josie andrews]

Wembley & Leeds

[medlocke]

Why Leeds it's a shithole, I'm surprised Odsal wasn't named seeing how the fat controller is back

[Ipinwigan]

Why Leeds it's a shithole, I'm surprised Odsal wasn't named seeing how the fat controller is back

Yorkshire bias once again, the problem being that they don't have that many large capacity stadiums that are any good in Yorkshire, they don't like spending their money.

Headingley is way too small, Man City would have been far better.

[Charriots Offiah]

made up its all announced and gives plenty of time to sort out buying tickets etc

disappointed with Headingley for the final test though, its almost as though they are expecting the series to be over and done with so lets have the smallest crowd for the final game

Headingly is a very strange choice, less than 20,000 capacity! The DW or Huddersfield would have been a better shout if they want to use an RL stadium.

[southportcdm]

I'm disappointed with the choice of Headingley too but perhaps the RFL are just being realistic. How many fans will still be interested when we're 2-0 down in a three match series? I'm excited about having a look at Everton's new ground and for once will be able to go to an international via one short train journey. From what I've seen so far from the two test events (10 000 and 25 000) there's still plenty to do on the crowd management front but by the time of our game the football club will be well into their season and should have sorted out any problems.