Centurion Rugby: Gearing Up for the Return of The Ashes

It's not often that rugby league gets to revive something so steeped in history, so rich in rivalry, and so packed with promise. But that's exactly what's happening this Autumn, as the Ashes return to England in Rugby League for the first time since 2003. And for us at Centurion Rugby, it's more than just marking time,  it's about stepping up, delivering excellence behind the scenes, and helping England be ready in every possible way. Here's what we're excited about, what we're doing, and what's at stake.

What's the Ashes 2025?

Some of the headline facts:

• The ABK Beer Ashes Series is a three-Test match series between England and Australia (the Kangaroos).

• It's being held over three Saturdays in London, Liverpool, and Leeds:

• Wembley Stadium – Saturday 25 October

• Hill Dickinson Stadium (Bramley-Moore Dock), Liverpool – Saturday 1 November

• Headingley, Leeds – Saturday 8 November

• All matches kick off at 2:30pm GMT.

• The Ashes are returning after a 22-year hiatus. The last time this series was played was back in 2003.

From Centurion Rugby's Point of View: Preparing the Equipment, Supporting the Players

As a training equipment supplier, our role isn't front page, but it's essential. Here's how we're gearing up.

Gear to Withstand Test Series Intensity
Test matches demand the highest standards, and so does training for it: training pads, bags, agility gear that endure frequent, intense use. We've been stress-testing gear, increasing durability, ensuring nothing fails when players need it most.

Training Camps & Conditioning
England's squad will spend more time preparing physically and tactically for Australia's pace, power, and style. That means we're supporting them with a range of our tackle shields and tackle bags so they can train with the same intensity of a game scenario.

Innovation & Player Safety
One of our biggest concerns is safety. Tackling force, collisions, fatigue - all multiply in a high-stakes series. We're investing in gear design that helps mitigate injury risk, ensuring protective equipment is up to spec, and ensuring training drills mimic match conditions safely.

Challenges & What England (and Centurion) Must Overcome

We don't underestimate what's ahead. Some of the hurdles:

Australia's dominance: They've won the last 13 Ashes series since 1970. England will have to close a big historical gap.

Match sharpness & intensity: Domestic leagues and Super League provide strong competition, but a Test series is different in stakes, tempo, physicality. England will need to ensure their conditioning, depth, and game understanding are up to it.

Injuries and player availability: Through a long season, fatigue and injuries accumulate. Ensuring that players recover well and are fit is crucial.

Handling pressure: Wembley under the arch, big crowds, national expectation, media attention, these tend to magnify mistakes and test temperament. Preparation must include mental resilience, not just physical and tactical readiness.

What We at Centurion Are Excited to Deliver

• Making sure every training session counts. We believe in zero-waste training time; that means the right gear, ready when needed, durable, and consistent.

• Seeing players push themselves in practices where the margins matter: fast play, precision, tackling under fatigue.

• Being part of a support ecosystem that often doesn't get the spotlight — the gear, the grounds, the drills - but which, when done right, lets talent shine.

• Contributing to England getting that Ashes win. We believe the team has grown a lot in recent seasons. With the right preparation — physical, technical, mental — the gap can be closed.