Ashes History and Why it matters....
- David Cain
- Oct 22
- 3 min read
Origins and Early Years
The Rugby League Ashes began in 1908, when the newly formed Northern Rugby Football Union (Britain) hosted the touring Australian side for a series of Test matches.
The format was a best‑of‑three Test series (or similar) between the touring Australian “Kangaroos” and the British side (initially called “Great Britain” though often composed of England/Wales/others).
In those early years, Great Britain dominated: for example among the first 15 contests Great Britain won 13 of them.
Australian Dominance Era
Over time, the balance shifted decisively in favour of Australia. According to the records: of 39 series played up to 2003, Australia won 20, Great Britain 19.
Most notably, Australia won 13 consecutive series from 1970 onward — a sign of their dominance in the international rugby league arena.
One of the last full Ashes series was in 2003, when Australia recorded a 3–0 series win over Great Britain.
Memorable Milestones & Key Moments
Historic Attendances: The highest UK Ashes Test attendance was 57,034 at Wembley Stadium in London on 22 October 1994.
1950s‑60s Big Wins: Some large margins occurred in this era (e.g., Australia 50‑12 in 1963).
1990 Wembley Surprise: In the first Test of the 1990 series at Wembley, Great Britain stunned Australia 19–12 in front of some 54,569 fans — a rare home victory.
Image Curtesy of BBC Sport
The Iconic Jonathan Davies Try at Wembley
One of the most memorable individual moments in Ashes history is a sensational try scored by Jonathan Davies for Great Britain against Australia at Wembley in the 1994 series.
The try captured the burst of attacking flair and hope for the home side, even as Australia held the upper hand in many series.
Though the wider series still went Australia’s way, the sight of Davies crossing for that try at Wembley remains a high‑point in the rivalry.
Recent Revival & The 2025 Series
After the 2003 series, the Ashes disappeared for over two decades.
In 2025 the Ashes are being revived, but this time between England (rather than Great Britain) and Australia — a significant shift in the format.
The first Test of the 2025 series is scheduled for 25 October at Wembley Stadium.
Key Statistics at a Glance
Number of series played (up to 2003): 39.
Australian series wins: 20. Great Britain series wins: 19.
Tests played (Great Britain vs Australia): 118, with Australia 59 wins, Great Britain 54 wins, 5 draws.
Highest attendance in UK: 57,034 at Wembley, 1994.
Why the 2025 Ashes Matter
This revival isn’t just a nostalgia trip: it reignites one of the most storied rivalries in rugby league.
The shift from Great Britain to England as the home nation for this rivalry adds fresh meaning.
The venues chosen (including Wembley) bring a spectacle and renewed exposure to the sport.
With Australia’s dominance in recent decades, England have a major incentive and opportunity to turn the tide.
If you’re looking for a must‑watch rugby league event, here’s why the opening Test at Wembley this weekend is unmissable:
Historic setting: Wembley Stadium has hosted some of the greatest rugby league moments (including that 57,000+ crowd in 1994) — being there, or tuning in, places you in the lineage of those moments.
High stakes: England face Australia for the Ashes for the first time in this revived format, seeking to overcome a long stretch of Australian dominance.
Rivalry at its peak: This is more than another international match — it’s the renewal of a fierce rivalry with a sense of occasion, national pride and legacy on the line.
Atmosphere & spectacle: The crowd, the arch, the national stadium environment — you’ll get an electric atmosphere whether in‑stadium or watching from home.
Potential for special moments: Just like Jonathan Davies’ try once lit up Wembley, you might witness a new defining moment in the Ashes story.
Whether you’re a long‑time rugby league fan or just looking for a high‑quality sporting show, Game 1 of the Ashes at Wembley is a perfect entry point. Clear your Saturday schedule — the kickoff at 14:30 GMT is set to deliver drama, passion and history in the making.
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