BY JOHN DAVIDSON
Exclusive: Talks are underway to ensure the Ashes is hosted by the UK again in 2028, not by Australia.
Originally, International Rugby League (IRL) had planned for the Ashes to be staged in Australia in three years.
But the success of the 2025 Ashes in England, which included more than 130,000 tickets sold and TV ratings close to three million on the BBC, has led powerbrokers to consider an Ashes return to Britain in 2028.
With the Kangaroos dominating England 3-0 this year, there are also fears Australia would struggle to fill stadiums at home for a tour by the English.
But the Kangaroos have been a hit on British shores and have won plaudits for their community engagement with English fans.
rugbyleaguehub.com Long Reads understands RFL figures are interested in having the green and gold back to tour in 2028.
New Zealand is expected to tour and play England in England in 2027, a year after the World Cup.
IRL chairman Grant told rugbyleaguehub.com Long Reads that it was down to the RFL and the ARLC to determine who hosts the Ashes.
“As a Bi-Lateral series and not a tournament it’s a matter for both nations, not the IRL,” he said.
We would sanction the internationals no matter the location, whatever is best for the game if both countries agreed.
“The yearning is growing here for England to play here, especially in Sydney, but we will see.”
