The final whistle at AMT Headingley Stadium didn’t just end a match—it closed a chapter. On Saturday, November 8, 2025, Australia crushed England 30-8 in the third and final Test of the 2025 ABK Beer Rugby League Ashes SeriesLeeds, sealing a 3-0 series whitewash and extending their unbeaten streak in Ashes contests to 14 straight since 1970. The crowd of 21,407—mostly Australian—roared as Reece Walsh scored two tries in the final 10 minutes, turning what was already a dominant performance into a statement. This wasn’t just another win. It was the first Ashes series between England and Australia in 22 years, and the Kangaroos didn’t just show up—they owned it.
Australia’s Precision and England’s Struggles
From the opening kickoff, Australia looked like a team on a mission. Nathan Cleary was surgical, converting all five of his attempts—7', 27', 63', 69', 79'—and setting up the rhythm for a relentless attack. Josh Addo-Carr opened the scoring in the fifth minute, and by halftime, Australia led 18-2. The Kangaroos didn’t just outscore England; they outmaneuvered them. Every pass found its target, every tackle landed with authority. Meanwhile, England’s attack looked disjointed. Tommy Makinson Williams managed a solitary try at 33', but his team’s lack of cohesion in the middle third was glaring. Harry Smith landed two goals, but even his reliability couldn’t mask the broader issues.The second half was more of the same. Tom Young and Kurt Capewell Grant added tries in the 26th and 62nd minutes, respectively, before Walsh’s double in the 68th and 78th minutes sealed the rout. England’s defense, which had held firm against New Zealand just months earlier, looked brittle. No one could explain why. Not the coaches. Not the players. Not even the fans.
A Historic Series, a New Format
This wasn’t the old Great Britain vs. Australia rivalry. It was something new. For the first time since 1908, the Ashes were contested under the name England instead of Great Britain—a structural shift approved by the International Rugby League in 2023. The change reflected a growing emphasis on national identity over regional representation. Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman Peter V'landys AM called it "a celebration of Rugby League’s rich heritage," and he wasn’t wrong. The series drew crowds of over 60,000 across three stadiums: Wembley Stadium (October 25), Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool (November 1), and finally AMT Headingley Stadium. The second and third Tests sold out in under 72 hours.Even the warm-up schedule was unusual. Originally, Australia planned a match against France. But the Rugby League Players Association vetoed it, fearing injury risk. Instead, the two teams held joint training sessions in London—a rare gesture of cooperation that didn’t translate to the field. France’s head coach, Laurent Frayssinous, called it "a masterclass in professionalism," but England’s players later admitted they felt "isolated" in their preparation.
Global Reach and Broadcast Realities
For international fans, the series was a logistical puzzle. In Australia, viewers tuned in at 12:30 AM AEST on Sunday, November 9, just as the final whistle blew in Leeds. Those in the U.S. watched at 9:30 AM EST. But for fans outside Australia and the Pacific, the only official live stream was through watchnrl.com—a fact confirmed by the National Rugby League’s official YouTube highlight description. In the UK, Sky Sports carried every match, with NOW TV offering flexible access. No free-to-air broadcasts. No public screenings. Just a premium experience.That’s not just a business decision—it’s a cultural one. Rugby League’s global audience is growing, but its monetization is still concentrated in Australia and the UK. The ABK Beer sponsorship, reportedly worth £8 million, was the largest in the series’ history. Yet, outside those markets, awareness remains low. "We’ve got the product," said one former England international. "We just haven’t figured out how to sell it."
What This Means for the Future
Australia’s dominance is no surprise. Ranked No. 1 in the world, they’ve now won 88 of their 162 meetings with England/Great Britain since 1908. But England’s decline is more alarming. Ranked third globally, they’ve lost 14 consecutive Ashes series. Their last win? 2003. Their last try against Australia? 2017 World Cup Final. And now, with no major tournament until 2026, the next generation of English players has little to aim for.Meanwhile, the Kangaroos are already looking ahead. Coach Mal Meninga hinted at a 2026 tour to New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, but the real question is whether England can rebuild in time. The RFL has pledged "a complete review of player development," but without a clear pathway to elite competition, promises feel hollow.
The Ashes are back. But for England, they’re a reminder of what’s been lost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this series called the Ashes if it’s rugby league, not cricket?
The term "Ashes" was adopted from cricket’s historic England-Australia rivalry, symbolizing a battle for supremacy between the two nations. It was first used in rugby league in 1908, when Great Britain toured Australia, and the name stuck despite the different sport. The 2025 series revived the tradition after a 22-year hiatus, reinforcing the cultural weight behind the rivalry beyond just the scoreboard.
Who were the standout players in the 2025 Ashes Series?
For Australia, Nathan Cleary was flawless with the boot, converting all five tries in the final Test, while Reece Walsh delivered two crucial tries under pressure. Josh Addo-Carr and Tom Young also made critical contributions. For England, Harry Smith was the only consistent scorer, but even his two goals couldn’t offset the team’s structural weaknesses.
How did the venue choices impact the series?
The selection of Wembley Stadium, Hill Dickinson Stadium, and AMT Headingley Stadium was strategic. Wembley drew historic crowds for the opener, Liverpool’s new stadium showcased modern infrastructure, and Headingley’s intimate, passionate atmosphere amplified the final’s intensity. Each venue offered a different fan experience, helping the series feel like a national tour rather than a single event.
Why was the match against France canceled?
The Rugby League Players Association vetoed the planned warm-up match against France, citing injury risk ahead of a high-stakes series. Instead, both teams held joint training sessions in London. While this promoted goodwill, it left England without competitive match practice, possibly contributing to their poor performance. The decision highlights the growing influence of player welfare groups in international scheduling.
What’s next for England’s rugby league team?
England’s next major fixture is the 2026 Four Nations tournament, but their path to recovery is unclear. The Rugby Football League has pledged to overhaul youth development and increase funding for regional academies. Yet without a regular international calendar—especially against top-tier opponents like Australia—the talent pipeline remains fragile. Many fear another 22-year gap before the Ashes return.
How does this result affect global rugby league rankings?
Australia remains firmly at No. 1 in the International Rugby League rankings, now with 14 consecutive Ashes wins. England holds third place, behind New Zealand, but their gap to the top two is widening. Without a win in over two decades, their ranking is sustained more by historical reputation than current performance. Experts warn that unless England plays more high-level Tests, they risk falling to fourth—behind even Papua New Guinea.