THE ASHES SERIES 1970: GREAT BRITAIN’S HISTORIC RUGBY LEAGUE TOUR

The Ashes Series 1970 remains one of the most iconic moments in Rugby League history. The Great Britain Lions regained their pride with an extraordinary 24-match tour of Australia and New Zealand. Led brilliantly by Captain Frank Myler, the team lost only one match in Australia – the first test. Subsequently, they completed the New Zealand leg undefeated. This tour showcased the depth and talent of a sensational squad.

Legendary Players and Leadership

The Lions’ 1970 squad included Rugby League Hall of Fame legends Mal Reilly and Roger Millward. Moreover, they were coached by Johnny Whiteley, an Ashes winner as both player and coach. Malcolm Reilly was a trailblazer in English Rugby League, winning multiple honours, including the 1970 Ashes down under. Roger Millward, who played for Castleford and later Hull KR, became one of the Rovers’ all-time greats. Additionally, experienced players such as Denis Hartley, Frank Myler, and Cliff Watson provided stability, while young talents like Dave Chisnall, Bob Irving, and Jimmy Thompson added energy and flair.

Facing a Formidable Australian Team

Great Britain faced a strong Australian side featuring Graeme Langlands, Arthur Beetson, Ron Coote, Billy Smith, and Bob Fulton. Consequently, the first test in front of nearly 43,000 fans ended in a 37-15 loss. However, the Lions quickly regrouped, playing New South Wales and winning 17-17 despite being down at halftime. In addition to the turnaround, the second test became a dominant 28-7 victory, overcoming penalties and a player sent off.

Dominance Across Australia

The Lions’ resilience continued with four matches in eight days across Bathurst, Sydney, Newcastle, and Wagga Wagga. Furthermore, the third test at the SCG saw Great Britain triumph 21-17, outscoring the Australians five tries to one, cementing their Ashes victory. The team’s spirit and determination were remarkable, with John Atkinson and Roger Millward delivering career-best performances.

Conquering New Zealand

In New Zealand, the Lions maintained their focus. They won all warm-up and test matches, including a remarkable second test comeback in Auckland, scoring seven tries after trailing 11-2 at halftime. As a result, the final game against Auckland concluded the tour with a comfortable 23-8 victory.

Legacy of the 1970 Lions

The 1970 Ashes Series ended with Great Britain playing 24 matches, winning 22, losing one, and drawing one. They scored 753 points, conceded only 288, and played in front of over 370,000 spectators. Therefore, this team is celebrated as the most successful Great Britain Rugby League squad of all time.

To celebrate this tradition, Ellis Rugby offers the Vintage retro Great Britain and England Rugby League collection. This includes Polos, T-Shirts, and a classic Rugby Shirt. Furthermore, the collection honours the legendary Great Britain and England Rugby League teams of the past, giving fans the chance to wear history with pride.