Major War of the Roses U-turn as Super League's 2025 schedule takes unexpected twist

War of the Roses will NOT return next year. Rugby League Live can reveal the proposed revival of Lancashire against Yorkshire has been shelved for the time being after a significant day of planning for the 2025 season.

Following an underwhelming mid-season international between France and England, alternative plans were considered to replace the contest. Among them was War of the Roses, which hasn't featured in the calendar for over 20 years.

When England coach Shaun Wane endorsed its return following their Test series victory over Samoa, it appeared to have all but confirmed that it would be back.

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However, at an owner's meeting held on Wednesday, it was outlined that the concept should be reevaluated with a view to reintroduce it in 2026. Instead, with a blank weekend in the schedule, it has been decided that a Super League round will be split over two weekends, with three matches taking place on each.

It has been done to give all six clubs a mid-season break at some point in the season, irrespective of Challenge Cup performance while players who would have previously represented England or France are also guaranteed a week off in the season.

Despite War of the Roses being off, it will not be outright replaced. The return of the Exiles and All Stars was considered as well as a continuation of the England and France Test, though both, visually and financially, have not been deemed successful. Another consideration was a week off between the play-off semi-finals and the Grand Final.

Sources insist it does not mean the War of the Roses will not return completely, however, with Magic Weekend now scheduled to take place on the weekend of May 3rd/4th, rather than the reported Bank Holiday weekend in August, it has been decided that not enough focus or resource could be dedicated to introducing a new concept at such short notice, especially with the Challenge Cup Final set to take place just three weeks before, and with the prospect of a home Test Series against Australia in the Autumn also being worked on.

It does mean that there will be no dedicated international weekend, which means Shaun Wane will have reduced contact time with the England squad next year until camp begins ahead of the Ashes series, though regular meetings will still take place.

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