Rugby League silverware to go on display
RUGBY League fans have snapped up the chance to get up close and personal with some of the sport’s major trophies when they go on display in Huddersfield this weekend.
In what has been described as “an unprecedented collection”, the likes of the Coral Challenge Cup, the Betfred Super League Grand Final Trophy, and the Men’s and Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup trophies will be displayed in St George’s Square on Saturday.
However, demand to see the silverware soon outstripped available places at the exhibition, which has been organised to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the formation of Rugby League in 1895.
That historic meeting took place within the iconic George Hotel, which is in the early stages of being refurbished, after being bought by Kirklees Council for an undisclosed sum.
It will house the first-ever National Rugby League Museum. A shadow board is currently being set up to oversee progress on the building over the next 12 months, prior to the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.
The exhibition, organised by Kirklees Council in collaboration with partners Rugby Football League,
Rugby League Cares, Banana Kick and Huddersfield BID, marks the beginning of Kirklees’ journey to the world cup. The town’s John Smith’s Stadium will host a quarter-final match on November 12 next year.
Kirklees’ council leader, Clr Shabir Pandor, said the authority was “very excited” and “proud” to be bringing rugby league back to its birthplace.
The George Hotel was the meeting place on August 29, 1895, for 21 northern teams. Of that number, 20 voted to break away from the Rugby Football
Union to form their own league. Clr Pandor added: “The exhibition is a first and provides an opportunity for us to thank all those who supported our successful bid to host the National Rugby League Museum and celebrate with local Rugby League fans by inviting them to have their photo taken with the cups.”
Chair of the Rugby Football League, Simon Johnson, said he was “delighted” that such a key anniversary would be marked in St George’s Square “where it all started, with that radical meeting in 1895. The game has so much to celebrate, especially as we look forward to staging the Rugby League World Cup in 2021.”
As part of the 125 celebrations, Huddersfield BID will launch an interactive rugby league trail around Huddersfield on Saturday.
For those unable to book a place at the exhibition, the council has said that photographs of the cups will be available to view on its social media channels.