Will Rugby League Ashes Stay After 132,418 Fans Watched?

The recent Ashes series has highlighted the growing popularity of rugby league in the UK, particularly as Australian players like Reece Walsh have become sought after by fans for selfies. England's disappointing 30-8 defeat and consequent 3-0 series loss to Australia at Headingley may signal a challenging period ahead, with no home Tests scheduled until 2027. The series, though a draw for fans, raises questions about the future of international fixtures and what England must do to reclaim competitive status.

Last updated: 18 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The conclusion of the Ashes series has left England reflecting on their performance and future as they face a significant gap in international fixtures. With no home Tests booked for 2026, the next opportunity for England to play in front of a home crowd will not be until 2027. This situation is compounded by the fact that the Ashes series has proven to be extremely popular, drawing in substantial crowds across the three matches. Despite the loss, there is a strong desire from both Australian and English teams for the series to become a regular event.

Key takeaways

England lost the Ashes series 3-0, raising concerns about their competitiveness.
No home Tests are scheduled until at least 2027, limiting fan engagement.
High attendance numbers show significant public interest in rugby league.

Timeline: how we got here

Here's a brief timeline of significant events related to the Ashes and England's international rugby league fixtures:

October 2023: England loses the final Test of the series against Australia, completing a 3-0 series defeat.
2025: Mid-season Test fixtures are removed from the calendar.
2026: No home Test matches scheduled for England.
2028: Planned tour of Australia for an England team, with details yet to be confirmed.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The immediate aftermath of the series has sparked discussions regarding the future of the Ashes and the importance of international rugby league. The Australian Rugby League Commission has expressed a strong desire to increase the profile of international matches, indicating that the Ashes should occur regularly.

What was already established

Historically, the Ashes series has been a significant event in rugby league, with the last series taking place in 2003. The competitive gap between England and Australia has been acknowledged for years, underpinned by Australia's stronger domestic league and higher participation rates in rugby league.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For fans and households, the absence of home Test matches until 2027 could lead to decreased engagement with the sport. With no upcoming opportunities to watch international rugby league live, ticket sales and merchandise revenues are likely to be affected.

Businesses and jobs

Businesses that rely on match-day revenues, including hospitality and local vendors, may face challenges due to fewer opportunities for fans to attend games. The growth of Super League to 14 teams may provide some local excitement, but it will not replace the thrill of international competition.

Policy and regulation

Regulatory changes within Super League may impact the structure of domestic competitions, affecting player availability for international fixtures. Upcoming consultations regarding the future of rugby league are crucial for shaping the landscape of the sport in the UK.

Numbers that matter

132,418: Total attendance across the three Ashes matches.
60,000: Spectators at Wembley for the first Test.
50,000: Fans present at Hill Dickinson Stadium for the second Test.
3-0: The scoreline of the series in favour of Australia.
19,500: Seating capacity of Headingley, which could have sold out multiple times.

Definitions and jargon buster

Ashes: A series of Test matches between England and Australia in rugby league.
Super League: The top professional rugby league competition in the UK.
NRL: National Rugby League, the premier rugby league competition in Australia.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, England's focus should be on analysing their performances during the Ashes series. Discussions among coaching staff about strategies for the World Cup and player development are crucial.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the World Cup approaches, England needs to strengthen its squad and address structural issues within the domestic league. This is essential to ensure that players are adequately prepared for the increased intensity of international competition.

Signals to watch

Performance indicators from Super League matches to gauge player form.
Announcements regarding any potential mid-season international fixtures.
Updates on the plans for the 2028 tour of Australia.

Practical guidance

Do

Engage with local rugby league teams and support domestic competitions.
Monitor player performances in Super League to identify potential stars for the World Cup.
Stay updated on any announcements regarding future international fixtures.

Don’t

Underestimate the value of international competition for player development.
Overlook the impact of domestic league structures on international performance.
Neglect fan engagement strategies that may enhance attendance in future fixtures.

Checklist

Review upcoming Super League fixtures and player statistics.
Engage with rugby league communities online and offline.
Follow news updates on the World Cup preparations.
Participate in discussions about the future of the Ashes series.
Seek opportunities to attend local rugby matches for support and engagement.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

There are notable uncertainties surrounding the future of international rugby league. Factors such as sponsorship, funding, and the competition structure within Super League could significantly influence the development of the sport. Additionally, the mental barriers faced by the England team in competing against Australia need to be addressed for improvement in future series.

Bottom line

The 3-0 defeat in the Ashes series has exposed critical issues within English rugby league and raised questions about the sport's future in the UK. With no immediate home Tests and a need for structural improvements, England must focus on rebuilding and preparing for the World Cup to remain competitive on the international stage.

FAQs

What does the Ashes series mean for England and Australia?

The Ashes series represents a traditional rivalry in rugby league, providing both teams with a platform to showcase their skills and competitiveness on an international level.

When will England next play at home?

Currently, England does not have any home Test matches scheduled until at least 2027, which limits opportunities for fans to engage with the team.

What challenges does England face after the series loss?

England must address issues of player development, mental resilience, and the structural challenges posed by the domestic league to improve their international performance.