The Rugby League The War Of The Roses

The War of Roses is a conflict between Yorkshire and Lancashire that has stretched back as far as the late 15th century. In Rugby terms though, the tournament began when the Rugby League clubs in the two counties were part of the Rugby Football Union. The clash was considered the most prestigious and colourful inter-county clash and drew large audiences.

When the Northern Union was formed, and the former Union clubs turned to become Rugby League clubs, the tournament also went to League.

Since 1895 there have been 86 War of Roses clashes with both Lancashire and Yorkshire winning 42 times a piece. (two matches were drawn) The tournament had a brief death between 1989 and 2001 due to the success of Yorkshire in the 80's but has been recently re-introduced to as a method of improving the standard of British Rugby League to help the national side. As well as to add another major event to the annual League calendar.

Teams still play for the Rose Bowl , and now since 2001 top players are presented the Roy Powell Medalion. The tournament is now also called 'County of Origin' or 'The Origin Series' but to most fans is still recognised as the 'War of Roses'.

English rugby league's County of Origin match did not take place in 2004 the governing body the Rugby Football League decided to drop the Yorkshire v Lancashire clash. Club support for the fixture was lukewarm, and teams were reluctant to release their stars. The RFL decided to act to reduce the commitments of elite players.