THE 1895 Cup will involve the Bradford Bulls and Keighley Cougars next year, alongside 19 of the other 21 clubs in the Championship and League 1.

The competition will be split into seven regionalised groups of three, then will see quarter-finals, semi-finals and a final, with the showpiece to be held at Wembley next June.

Toulouse Olympique will not be competing, as is usually the case for the French side in rugby league’s domestic competitions.

But neither are League 1 side Cornwall, a decision which may have raised some eyebrows.

No explanation was given for the south-west coast side not being involved by the RFL, but the club themselves have revealed that other sides asked them to pull out of the competition.

Cornwall did not expand on whether that was for time or financial reasons, preferring to use the umbrella term ‘logistics’.

In a club statement, Cornwall revealed: “During recent discussions among the League 1 clubs about the proposed competition structure for 2024, Cornwall RLFC was asked by the collective if it would consider sitting out of the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup competition.

“This would be for 2024 only, to ease the logistical burden for other League 1 clubs.

“The club felt that this decision would allow for a swifter resolution to be reached for the 2024 season structure and, after careful and considered deliberation, Cornwall RLFC has graciously agreed to the collectives request to not participate in the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup in 2024.”

Cornwall RLFC’s chief executive officer, Rob Butland, added: “Cornwall RLFC is a club which has the expansion and development of rugby league at its core.

“While our preference would have been to take part in the 1895 Cup in 2024, after discussions with our fellow clubs, it was ultimately decided that with the interest of the wider game at heart we would agree to the request.

“We look forward to seeing everyone on the pitch in both the Betfred Challenge Cup and Betfred League 1 season next year.”

At least Cornwall are competing in the Challenge Cup and League 1 next season, with that sadly not being the case for London Skolars.

The capital-based side, who played in the third-tier last year, are looking to raise £10,000 through JustGiving just to survive.

But even if they manage that, they have confirmed they will not be in League 1 next year, having applied to play in the Southern Conference League instead.

You can donate to the Skolars’ JustGiving page by following this link.