Australia Crushes England 26-6 in First 2025 Rugby League Ashes Test at Wembley
On a crisp Saturday afternoon at Wembley Stadium, Australia reclaimed the Rugby League Ashes with a dominant 26-6 victory over England, kicking off the first Ashes series contested by England — not Great Britain — since the rivalry’s revival after a 22-year hiatus. The match, which began at precisely 2:30 PM GMT on October 25, 2025, was broadcast live across the UK by the BBC, while international fans streamed the action exclusively through watchNRL.com. The final scoreline — four tries to one — wasn’t just a win. It was a statement. And it was exactly what Australia needed after two decades of silence in this storied contest.
A 22-Year Wait, Finally Over
The last time the Ashes were contested was in 2003, when Australia swept England 3-0 in a brutal, rain-slicked series that left fans breathless. Since then, the two nations hadn’t met in a competitive Test until the 2017 World Cup Final — a 6-0 drubbing by Australia that felt more like a warm-up than a showdown. The 2025 series, organized under the banner of the National Rugby League (NRL), was billed as the return of rugby league’s original rivalry. But this time, the stakes were higher. England, no longer fielding a Great Britain side, was stepping into the arena alone — a symbolic shift that fans had been calling for since the 1990s.The build-up was electric. The Rugby League Ashes 2025 Fan Guide had warned: “This is your only chance to see it live.” Tickets for the second and third matches at Hill Dickinson Stadium and AMT Headingley Stadium sold out within hours of going on sale. At Wembley, 78,000 fans packed the stands — many wearing England jerseys they’d kept since 2003, others in new Australia kits bought just for the occasion.
The Match: A Masterclass in Control
England came out firing. Early pressure, a clever kick from Harry Smith — who’d been recalled after missing the opener — nearly paid off. But Australia’s defense, led by veteran Cameron Munster, held firm. Then, in the 18th minute, Hudson Young broke through a gap no one saw coming, diving over in the corner. Nathan Cleary slotted the conversion. The crowd fell silent. By halftime, Australia was up 16-0.England’s lone try came in the 52nd minute, a scrappy effort from Jack Wellsby after a sustained 10-phase set. Patrick Carrian added the conversion — their only successful kick of the day. Australia responded with ruthless efficiency. Harry Grant sniped from dummy half, Tomston powered over from close range, and Williams capped it with a 60-meter sprint that left three defenders grasping at air. The final whistle blew to a roar from the Australian contingent. The scoreboard: 26-6.
“It wasn’t pretty,” said one fan in the stands, wiping rain from his face. “But it was perfect. We’ve waited too long for this.”
What Happened Next? The Series Takes Shape
The momentum didn’t stop. One week later, on November 1, 2025, Australia doubled down at Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool, winning 14-4. Cleary and Young scored again. England’s kicking game collapsed — three missed conversions, two penalty misses. The Sky Sports report called it “a clinical dismantling.” With that win, Australia claimed an unassailable 2-0 lead in the best-of-three series.The final test, scheduled for November 8, 2025 at AMT Headingley Stadium in Leeds, was already sold out before the second match even kicked off. The venue, steeped in Ashes history since 1908, will now host the symbolic closing chapter — even if the trophy is already in Australian hands.
Why This Matters Beyond the Scoreline
This isn’t just about rugby. It’s about identity. For decades, Great Britain represented the UK in international rugby league. But as the sport fragmented — with Wales, Scotland, and England developing stronger domestic structures — the call for separate teams grew louder. The 2025 Ashes marks the first time England has carried the flag alone. That shift, subtle but seismic, reflects a broader realignment in how British rugby league sees itself.Meanwhile, Australia’s dominance hasn’t waned. Their squad blended experience — Munster, 31 — with raw talent like 20-year-old Grant. England, by contrast, looked disjointed. Their attack lacked rhythm. Their defense, once a hallmark, crumbled under pressure. The coaching staff now faces a reckoning. Will they rebuild with youth? Or stick with veterans?
The broadcast deal also signals a new era. The BBC’s return to rugby league after years of sidelining it was a win for the sport’s visibility. And watchNRL.com’s exclusive international streaming rights show how global demand is shifting — away from traditional broadcasters, toward direct-to-fan platforms.
What’s Next?
The third test in Leeds will be a farewell, not a final chance. Australia will likely rest key players. England will field a mix of veterans and debutants — hoping to salvage pride. But the real story won’t be on the field. It’ll be in the stands. In the kids wearing England jerseys for the first time. In the grandparents who remember 2003. In the quiet realization that this rivalry, dormant for over two decades, is alive again.And maybe, just maybe, that’s enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is England playing instead of Great Britain in the 2025 Ashes?
Since the 2000s, the Rugby Football League has pushed for separate national teams to better reflect the distinct rugby league identities of England, Wales, and Scotland. The 2025 Ashes marks the first time England has competed as a standalone nation in the series, replacing the Great Britain team that last played in 2007. This change aligns with similar shifts in rugby union and aims to boost grassroots participation across the UK.
How can international fans watch the remaining Ashes matches?
Outside Australia and the Pacific, the only official streaming platform for all three 2025 Ashes matches is watchNRL.com. The site offers full live coverage, on-demand replays, and condensed highlights. No other broadcaster holds international rights, and geo-blocks prevent access via UK-based services like BBC iPlayer.
What’s the format of the Rugby League Ashes?
The Ashes follows a best-of-three Test series. Australia, as the current holders, retain the trophy unless England wins two matches. A 2-0 or 3-0 win by England would mean they claim the Ashes. Australia’s 2-0 lead after two matches means they’ve retained the trophy — no matter the result in Leeds. The format mirrors cricket’s Ashes, emphasizing tradition over points systems.
Why was the first match held at Wembley instead of a traditional rugby league heartland?
Wembley was chosen for its global recognition and capacity — 90,000 seats — to maximize exposure for the series’ return. While traditional strongholds like Leeds and Liverpool host the other matches, Wembley’s profile helped attract new fans, media, and sponsors. The NRL and RFL hoped the iconic venue would signal the Ashes’ return as a major event, not just a niche fixture.
How does this compare to past Ashes series?
The 2003 series saw Australia win 3-0 in England, with average crowds of 18,000. The 2025 series drew nearly 80,000 for Game 1 — a 340% increase. Television ratings on BBC also jumped 200% compared to the last England Test in 2019. While the 2003 matches were physical and low-scoring, 2025’s games have been faster, more open, and more televised — reflecting modern rugby league’s evolution.
Will the Ashes continue beyond 2025?
Both the NRL and RFL have publicly stated their intent to make the Ashes a biennial event, alternating between the UK and Australia. Talks are underway to include a women’s Ashes series by 2027. With record attendance and digital viewership, the 2025 revival is seen as a successful pilot — not a one-off. The next series is already being planned for 2027, likely with expanded broadcast deals and youth development initiatives tied to it.
