Historic rugby league memorabilia which was on show in Huddersfield is to be displayed again.

A lottery grant means that the Rugby League Heritage Centre which was housed in Huddersfield’s George Hotel will go on show across the country in a touring exhibition.

And 12 months down the line, it is then expected to be put into a permanent new home in Huddersfield, birthplace of the sport.

Exact details of the new home are not being revealed but both the John Smith’s Stadium and the University of Huddersfield have been mooted.

In the meantime the collection of cups, medals, kits and photographs that drew visitors from across the world will go on show.

It was taken into secure safe keeping after the shock closure of The George Hotel.

Click the gallery below to take a look around the dilapidated George in December 2013 shortly after it was bought by new owner Dr Altaf Hussain. He is currently in the process of improving the building.

The sporting charity Rugby League Cares has received £97,200 from the Heritage Lottery Fund to secure the Rugby League Heritage Centre collection of memorabilia and historical artefacts.

The exciting project will develop a Rugby League Heritage touring exhibition that will take historic Rugby League memorabilia around the country over the next 12 months.

The Heritage Centre collection contains some of the most important memorabilia in Rugby League history, including shirts, caps, programmes and souvenirs from internationals and Cup finals from across the world.

Statue of Dougie Clark presented to the Rugby League Heritage Centre at the George Hotel, Huddersfield
Statue of Dougie Clark presented to the Rugby League Heritage Centre at the George Hotel, Huddersfield

The new project will not only conserve the collection and exhibit it to the public but it will also give volunteers the opportunity to be involved in a range of heritage activities. A special schools’ learning pack that links rugby history with the national curriculum will also be produced.

Rugby League Cares is the sport’s charitable foundation and one of its key aims is to preserve and promote the sport’s heritage. The new heritage project has been developed in collaboration with the University of Huddersfield, John Smith’s Stadium and Kirklees Council and will complement and extend the other Rugby League heritage activities taking place in the town.

RFL archivist and Rugby League Cares trustee Prof Tony Collins said: “We are thrilled to have received the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund.

“Their backing and that of our partners will ensure that Rugby League’s great heritage will not only be seen by the widest possible audience but that hundreds of people will have the opportunity to volunteer and be part of collecting, conserving and displaying our sport’s wonderful history.”

Details of dates and venues for the Rugby League Heritage touring exhibition will be announced later this year.