THE BARLA County Championship, which for many years involved Cumbria, Lancashire and Yorkshire at open age, Under 19 and Under 17 levels, is, it would appear, no more.

A number of grassroots stalwarts have called for the competition, which hasn’t taken place for several years, to be revived.

However, in an email to district leagues last week, BARLA chair Sue Taylor said: “We understand there may be interest in the three counties concept.

“For clarity, this is not something the RFL or the National Community Rugby League framework has been involved in developing.

“Our focus remains on delivering representative opportunities through the Community Lions programme, which continues to provide a national pathway for players across all regions.

“While the calendar does provide a limited window for representative Rugby League, this is largely to accommodate the England Community Lions programme. It is not envisaged at this stage that there will be a return to regular three counties matches.”