By historic standards the 2025 Kangaroo Tour is about as lean as it gets. Kangaroo Tour lite, if you like.
But make no mistake—no rugby league event carries greater weight or global importance this year.
Far more than just a nostalgic throwback, the three-match series between Kevin Walters’ and Shaun Wane’s sides signals the return of one of the game’s greatest traditions; a moment powerbrokers on both sides of the planet will be hoping is a catalyst for the resurgence of rugby league in the northern hemisphere.
First held way back in 1908, Kangaroo Tours were long considered the pinnacle of rugby league—a gruelling two-month challenge that tested the finest Australian players against the pride of the English game at both club and international level.
MORE: Kevin Walters slams RFL for giving Kangaroos 'worst flight possible' ahead of Ashes
Now after a 22-year absence, it's back—and it couldn’t have come at a more crucial time.
Rugby league has spent much of the past decade focused on domestic competitions, especially the all-conquering NRL which by almost every metric has never been stronger.
Yet while this has driven strong commercial growth across Australia and the Pacific, the northern hemisphere game and Super League have struggled to keep pace.
‘The ARLC believes in the international game’ says Peter V’landys
The return of the Ashes Series, albeit it in a highly condensed format, is a chance to reignite interest in English rugby league, something even ARLC chairman Peter V’landys has acknowledged is essential to the continued health and prosperity of the game.
“We are proud to revive one of the great Rugby League traditions with the first Ashes series and Kangaroo Tour of England in 22 years,” V’landys said earlier this year.
“The ARLC believes in the international game and the Commission was behind this historic tour to support the growth of the game in the North.”
Few would argue it isn’t growth that’s well needed.
Not so long ago the Super League was a reasonably close rival to the NRL. But since the late 1990s and early 2000s it’s faced declining crowds, reduced media coverage, administrative in-fighting and, recently, genuine questions over its long-term viability.
Coupled with major domestic reforms set to be introduced by the RFL in 2026, the upcoming Ashes series gives the English game a chance to stop the bleeding and reset, win or lose against the heavily-favoured Kangaroos.
It isn’t just a tour. It’s a lifeline, and easily the most important thing happening in rugby league in 2025.
Question is, can it be harnessed?