On 4th March 1864 Henry Jenkinson, a clerk with the North East railway company, put an advert in the ‘Leeds Mercury’ asking anyone who was interested in playing ‘football’ to meet on Woodhouse Moor, just outside the centre.
Just over two weeks later, over 200 people turned up to try their hand at what was the early version of rugby, paying a shilling each to become members of the club.
Initially, they split into groups known as ‘reds’ and ‘blues’ before the first Leeds team made its competitive bow on 19th June, 1864 against Sheffield, principally a soccer club, in a hybrid match.
The club became Leeds Athletic in 1870 and played at a ground off Whitehall Road.
To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the sport, which has been integral to the city and its suburbs – indeed the greatest single event remains the 1938 Championship Final when Hunslet beat Leeds at Elland Road in front of over 54,000 fans – Leeds Rugby, principally through the Heritage Committee of the Leeds Rugby Foundation, are planning a series of events throughout 2014.
All sectors of the sport are set to be recognised for their contribution under the specially designed ‘Leeds 150’ logo.
Harry Jepson, OBE, President of Leeds Rhinos and a member of the Heritage Committee, a revered and respected administrator both North and South of the River Aire, commented: “This is a significant milestone that is deserving of a year’s celebration.”
“Rugby has long been a vital part of the fabric of the city, both as a spectator sport and commercially. Events on the famous fields such as Headingley, Parkside and the Barley Mow have dictated the mood of the residents in all parts, while the community clubs, schools and works competitions have enriched so many.”
Among the events planned, April will see an exhibition at Leeds Central Library of 150 images of all facets of the sport across the 15 decades, linked to key historical events in Leeds, with an additional seven panels depicting highlight themes.
Bev Rice, Head of Library and Information Service, commented: “We are delighted to be continuing the excellent partnership with Leeds Rugby Foundation. Working together we successfully delivered a hugely popular exhibition and range of events, attracting new audiences to libraries, during last year’s Rugby League World Cup.”
“Leeds 150 provides another great opportunity for libraries to continue the partnership, exploring the rich history of rugby and the city.”
Other events currently being scheduled include: a reunion lunch for ex-players of Bramley, Hunslet and Leeds, the launch of the ‘Golden Age Experience’ at Headingley Carnegie Stadium which celebrates the success of the Rhinos in the Super League era – together with a separate event to mark the anniversary of the first Grand Final win in 2004, a celebration of student rugby league including a varsity game between Leeds University and Leeds Metropolitan University for the Cec Thompson Cup, an inaugural annual lecture – the first by Professor Tony Collins outlining the birth of rugby in Leeds, a commemorative service at Leeds parish Church – the site of one of the city’s professional clubs and the leading one going into the twentieth century – which will also remember those players killed during the World Wars, contributions to Children’s Day, the St Patrick’s Day Parade and the Leeds Carnival, a formal dinner to launch a Hall of Fame, and a joint event for rugby league and union community clubs.
More details will be released through the club and the Leeds Rugby Foundation.