By the early 20th century Cox's Orange Pippin was well-established as the premier English apple. However it was not the easiest to grow, and many attempts were made to cross it with varieties which were easier to manage. Rival is slightly unusual in that the other parent is Peasgood's Nonsuch, a well-regarded English cooking apple, which imparts good disease resistance and a much shaper flavour.
Rival is a good variety for attracting deer as the apples stay on the tree into winter.
