Australia are in line to tour England next year for an historic rugby league Ashes series.

On Monday evening (AEDT), the Rugby Football League released a statement confirming “initial conversations” with the Australian Rugby League Commission to host the trio of games in 2025.

Initial reports suggested the tour would go ahead in Australia, but it now appears likely to take place in England.

The sport has not had an Ashes series since 2003. 

MORE: Shaun Johnson urged to make NRL comeback

“RL Commercial can confirm initial conversations have been held with the ARLC about the possibility of an historic Ashes Series being played in England in 2025,” the statement read.

“We are excited by the possibility of bringing the Kangaroos to these shores for a three-match series for the first time in over 20 years, and we are starting work on the feasibility of such a tour.

We believe this would be welcomed by our England team, by British Rugby League supporters, by the British sporting public, and by the current generation of Australia players who would relish the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of so many great players of the past.”

The first rugby league Ashes was played out in 1908/09 and was a regular fixture on the calendar for the remainder of the 20th century. 

While it has traditionally been played between Australia and Great Britain, the Lions brand is unlikely to be revived, meaning it will be England who take on the green and gold. 

MORE: Aaron Woods makes bold Zac Lomax prediction

According to The Guardian, one of the three proposed Tests will take place in London.

The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Wembley are considered “early frontrunners” to host that match.

England last hosted Australia in an international men’s match in 2016.