Rugby League Ashes: Joe Burgess to make first England appearance in 10 years

Rugby League Ashes: Joe Burgess Returns to England After 10 Years

Joe Burgess will make his first England appearance in a decade after being selected in the 19-man squad for the final Ashes Test against Australia. The 31-year-old Hull KR winger last represented his country in the 2015 series against New Zealand.

Head coach Shaun Wane confirmed that Burgess will play against the Kangaroos at AMT Headingley in Leeds on Saturday. His return highlights an impressive 2025 season, during which he helped Hull KR secure a treble of major titles.

“It’s a credit to him, he has a new lease of life at Hull KR,” Wane said. “I am so happy to be able to give him a start. That means something to me.”

Burgess, who previously worked with Wane at Wigan Warriors, said he remained determined to return to international rugby.

“Yeah, if I knuckled down — I did it once, could do it again. Once you get to 31, you wonder if it’s too late. But I knew I had potential to play again. That has always been the end goal,” Burgess reflected.
“This has been the best year of my life — my first time winning the Challenge Cup and Super League. Then being recalled to the England squad, it’s unbelievable. I still haven’t fully processed it.”

England go into the final Test having already lost the opening two matches of the three-game series. The team will be without winger Dom Young, who fractured his foot earlier in the competition.

Australia, meanwhile, make just one change, with captain Isaah Yeo returning to the starting lineup after missing the second Test due to a failed head injury assessment.

Author’s Summary

After ten years away, Joe Burgess reclaims his England spot, crowning a dream season with Hull KR and reigniting his international rugby career.

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BBC BBC — 2025-11-06

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