The Rugby Football League have confirmed that the opening Test of the Ashes has passed a landmark figure in terms of ticket sales.

In a weeks time, England will host Australia in the first rugby league Ashes Test for 22 years and there’s set to be a bumper crowd at Wembley for the game.

Tests two and three at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium and Headingley are both sold out so the first Test at Wembley is the only match where tickets are still available, however, it’s expected that the lower bowl will sell out ‘imminently’.

That’s because ticket sales have now reached 54,569 meaning the attendance of the famous opening Test in 1990, also at Wembley, has been matched.

Great Britain won that Test 19-12 with the game being one of the most iconic between the two nations and the crowd for that has now been matched, and will soon be surpassed.

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Ashes leading to huge commercial success

As well as a ticket sales update, there was also an update on the commercial aspects of the upcoming three-Test series.

The statement read: “The 2025 Ashes series has already become one of the most commercially successful international events in Rugby League history, with record sponsorship income and the widest broadcast and digital reach ever expected for a Test series in the UK. ”

Director of Rugby League Commercial, Rhodri Jones said: “After months of build-up and planning, it’s exciting to think that we are now only one week away from one of the biggest events in Rugby League in this country in decades.

“The record-breaking speed of sell-outs for the second and third Tests confirmed the huge demand for the return of Rugby League’s oldest international rivalry. We’re also in a strong position for the first Test in terms of ticket sales, and the way sales have accelerated since the Kangaroos arrived in London this week, we’re hopeful of ticking off a number of other milestones before Saturday.

“But the return of the Ashes has also offered a major commercial opportunity for the sport which is exactly why RL Commercial was formed three years ago. We’ve attracted new partners, created new content, and strengthened existing commercial and broadcast relationships – ensuring this series can leave a legacy for Rugby League, especially in the northern hemisphere.”