Australian officials revive interest in first tour since 2003
One of three scheduled tests to take place in London
World champions Australia will tour England in 2025 – for the first time in more than 20 years – after late talks over a change of venue for the next Ashes.
There has not been a traditional three-match series since 2003, when Great Britain lost 3-0 at home despite leading with less than five minutes to go. That wait appeared to be over after it was confirmed last year that England would tour Australia. But the series now looks set to take place in England.
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Senior Australian officials have been in contact with the Rugby Football League about the prospect of reviving the traditional Kangaroos tour in 2025 and talks appear to have reached a positive conclusion. This would provide the sport with a significant financial boost.
The Ashes has been held regularly since the first series between Great Britain and Australia in 1908. Tournament officials have considered reviving the Lions brand next year but with England, not Great Britain, taking the field.
It is understood that one of the three Tests will be played in London, with officials keen to cash in on what they hope will be a momentum-building series given the long gap since the last Ashes. Tottenham Hotspur and Wembley Stadiums are favourites to host the London Test, although Arsenal are set to host the World Cup semi-final between England and Samoa in 2022.
That would mean one Test in Yorkshire and another in Lancashire, with organisers likely to look beyond traditional club venues and towards large venues.
Officials are hoping for a quick resolution to the negotiations so an announcement can be made as soon as possible. The international game is enjoying a rare flurry of activity with the Pacific Cup taking place in the southern hemisphere while England and Samoa play the second and final Test at Headingley on Saturday.
“RL Commercial can confirm that there have been initial discussions with the ARLC regarding the possibility of staging a historic Ashes series in England in 2025,” they said.
“We are excited by the prospect 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 investigate the feasibility of such a tour.”
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