Why Leeds Rhinos are backing new national rugby league museum in Huddersfield

Castleford legend and former Leeds coach Malcolm Reilly outside the George Hotel. Picture by SWpix.com

The sport’s birthplace was confirmed this week as the venue for the attraction, in a partnership between Kirklees Council and Rugby League Cares.

Leeds City Council and Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s heritage committee have welcomed the decision, despite initial hopes of the museum being located in their city.

Council leader councillor Judith Blake said: “Any city, or town, would be delighted to have the opportunity to host the National Rugby League Museum, none more so than Leeds.

“But as soon as we were aware our friends in Kirklees have earmarked the spiritual birthplace of rugby league, the George Hotel, we, Leeds Rhinos, Leeds Rhinos Foundation and Leeds City Council [were] determined to not only get behind their bid, but also to say we would be delighted to assist them in achieving their aims.”

Phil Caplan, chairman of Rhinos Foundation’s heritage group, added: “The George Hotel is the prime location for the museum, not least with its proximity to the rugby league’s official archive at nearby Heritage Quay at Huddersfield University.

“While Leeds - which is the home of a foundation club and ground at Emerald Headingley Stadium, a semi-professional club in Hunslet with some of the richest history and community offerings throughout the city and its region - could have offered a wonderful home, we are fully supportive of the plan to take the sport back to where it all began in 1895. That is right, fitting and appropriate.”

At a meeting at the George Hotel in August, 1895, clubs in Yorkshire and Lancashire agreed to break away from the Rugby Football Union to form their own rival code.

The George Hotel, in Huddersfield. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.

Initially known as Northern Union, it became rugby league in 1922.

The George Hotel, closed since 2013, has been purchased by Kirklees Council as part of a plan to make the museum the focal point of a multi-million pound redevelopment of Huddersfield town centre.

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Rhinos Foundation heritage committee chairman Phil Caplan. Picture by Varley Picture Agency.

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By George - why Leeds dropped bid to stage new national rugby league museum