After more than two decades, one of rugby league’s greatest rivalries finally returns as England face Australia in the Ashes series, starting this Saturday. The last time these two nations met in an Ashes contest was in 2003, and since then, several generations of outstanding English players have missed the chance to test themselves in the sport’s most storied battle.
The return of the Ashes has reignited excitement across the rugby league world. The opening match at Wembley is expected to draw the largest home crowd for an Ashes Test in years, while the second and third matches in Everton and Headingley sold out within days. The long gap has been attributed to a lack of commitment from Australia, but renewed enthusiasm following the 2022 World Cup has revived the international calendar.
For England head coach Shaun Wane, this moment has been a long time coming. Appointed in 2020, Wane’s first task was meant to be leading his side in this very series, but the pandemic forced its cancellation. Now, five years later, he finally gets his chance to face the reigning world champions.
For the players, the motivation runs deep. Many still recall the heartbreak of the 2017 World Cup final, when England fell narrowly 6-0 to Australia. Veteran Kallum Watkins, who played a pivotal role in that match and returns to the national squad, admits this series feels like unfinished business. He remembers being inches from a potential match-winning try before being brought down by an ankle tap—an agonizing moment that still lingers.
Watkins and his teammates see this series not only as a chance for redemption but also as an opportunity to make history. “It’s long overdue for the game to have something like this,” he said. “You’ve got to make it really special and turn each venue into a fortress.”
The rivalry has already sparked fiery comments from Australian figures, who have downplayed England’s chances. Yet, with recent dominant wins over Samoa and Tonga, England enter the series confident and battle-hardened.
Regardless of the outcome, the Ashes’ return marks a vital moment for international rugby league—a revival of tradition, pride, and fierce competition that the sport has sorely missed.
