WHARFEDALE have opted not to enter the 2015-16 Yorkshire Cup.

The Greens, who were beaten by Harrogate in last season's final at West Park Leeds, want to channel their energies into the SSE National League One campaign.

They have particular concerns about having five league matches next April, partially as a consequence of the Rugby World Cup this autumn.

"League rugby has to be our priority," said Wharfedale's coach Tommy McGee in explaining the decision of the Dalesmen, who won the county cup in 2010 and 2014 - a thrilling win over Otley at Wagon Lane - and were also runners-up in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

Wharfedale's fixture secretary Michael Harrison added: "It is not a normal season in 2015-16 because of the World Cup and those five league matches in April, but we will consider re-entering the Yorkshire Cup for the 2016-17 season."

A lot of Harrison's sweat and toil over the past few seasons has concerned getting strong enough fixtures to test their second team.

Wharfedale Foresters won the Yorkshire Merit Premiership again last season by winning all 14 of the matches they played, 13 of which brought them a bonus point for scoring four or more tries.

But Harrison's wishes may come true if a proposal to match the leading trio from the Yorkshire Premiership with the top three from Durham and Northumberland comes to fruition.

Harrison explained: "It is proposed that Wharfedale, Hull Ionians and Harrogate – the top three from Yorkshire last season – and Tynedale, Darlington Mowden Park and Blaydon, the top three from Durham & Northumberland last season, will play each other home and away in the second half of the season for a North East Championship.

"This has been arranged at short notice and there may be teething problems but if it comes off it will give their matches after Christmas a lot more verve and will help things big style.

"There is also the possibility that the RFU will help with some travelling expenses.

"Previously, the Foresters have also played a lot of university sides, such as Loughborough, Leeds Met and Leeds University."