England are in talks to host a rugby league Ashes series against AustraliaThe three Test autumn series was set to take place in Australia next yearThose fixtures are now expected to be held in England in a boost to the sport
England look set to host a rugby league Ashes series for the first time in 21 years, with talks taking place over three home Tests against Australia next autumn.
Shaun Wane’s side were due to travel Down Under to face the world champions next year in a revival of the historic series, which originated in 1908.
But those fixtures are now expected to be held on these shores in a major financial boost for the sport in this country.
Mail Sport understands one Test is likely to be held in London, with Wembley, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and the Emirates potential venues. The other two matches would be staged in the north – one in Yorkshire and one in Lancashire.
Australia have not toured this country since 2003, when they beat Great Britain 3-0 for their 13th consecutive series win, with a scheduled trip here in 2020 cancelled because of the Covid pandemic.
England look set to host a rugby league Ashes series for the first time in 21 years
Australia look set to travel to England to do battle in three massive Autumn Tests next year
England, who replaced Great Britain as the main national side in 2007, have not played a home international against the Kangaroos at all since the Four Nations eight years ago.
Wane’s men are currently hosting Samoa in a two-Test series, winning the first match at Wigan 34-18 on Saturday. They also won their last series 3-0 against Tonga last year.
But a home Ashes series would generate much more interest from fans as well as sponsors, and would be welcomed by broadcaster partners, the BBC.
RL Commercial said in a statement: ‘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.
England boss Shaun Wane (pictured) were due to travel Down Under to face the world champions next year in a revival of the historic series
‘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.’
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England set to host rugby league Ashes series as talks advance over Australia touring the nation for the first time in 21 YEARS
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