Calls for the return of county championship games to the amateur rugby league programme appear to have fallen on deaf ears.
For years Cumbria did battle with Lancashire and Yorkshire at open age, Under-19s and Under-17s levels.
County stalwarts from all three counties had been pushing for the championship to be revived.
But league officials in the three counties have received an email from BARLA suggesting the championship is unlikely to be restored to the annual fixture list.
In the email chair Sue Taylor wrote: “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 continue 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 that there will be a return to regular three counties matches.”
