by There were reports this week that rugby league’s Ashes tour could return to the UK in 2025.
Therefore, there was a lot of discussion about which stadiums could be used for the tour.
The 2020 tour, canceled due to Covid, was due to take place at Bolton, Elland Road in Leeds and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
RFL chief executive Ralph Rimmer said at the time: “We hope that the venues we have chosen, split between Lancashire, Yorkshire and London, will be popular with both regular rugby league fans and the wider sporting public.”
“The University of Bolton Stadium and Elland Road have both hosted successful rugby league events in recent years and it is exciting for us to host a first game at the stunning Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.”
It is therefore likely that the 2025 series will use a Yorkshire, Lancashire and non-heartland city split if it does go ahead.
Rugby league fans have their opinions on the 2025 Ashes venues
Photo credit: Simon Wilkinson/SWpix.com
Serious About Rugby League asked fans which venues should be used to host the games and a variety of answers highlighted why it will be so difficult for the RFL to please everyone.
London has been suggested by many, with Paul Guppy saying: “At least one test in London – and a larger crowd than the 15,000 who attended Wigan on Sunday.”
Some suggested St James’ Park in Newcastle and the new Bramley Moore Dock Stadium for Everton as major venues, with Mike Irving saying: “Everton. New shiny stadium, great location in the city. Lots of hotels. It would definitely be crowded!”
Robert Turner is also keen for the RFL to target large crowds, saying: “The more competitive we can make the game, the bigger the potential goal.”
“I think to make the deal commercially viable we should aim for a minimum number of 50,000 goals. Aim too low, there isn’t enough in it. Do the marketing right.”
Photo credit: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
Andy Stafford wasn’t keen on London as a venue, saying: “I don’t see the point of holding a friendly in London.
“Wigan’s Brick Community Stadium, Elland Road in Leeds and Hull FC’s MKM Stadium would be my choices. Going to Tottenham or Wembley is a big expense and won’t fill 25% of the stadium.”
Matt Summergill agreed, saying: “I would look at the heartland and appropriate sized stadiums.
“Saints, Leeds and Hull FC for example all have great facilities and provide a great atmosphere without being so big that we can’t fill them like Wembley or even Old Trafford.
“Empty seats don’t look good on TV when we’re trying to attract more people to our game.”
It’s clear fans are determined to see full stadiums. However, the idea of using “reasonably sized stadiums” or going big and trying to fill 50,000+ venues creates a major divide; A tightrope walk that the RFL has to master.
