AS a leading expert on Huddersfield, you’d expect Prof Cedric Cullingford to know all about the Rugby League Museum.

But the chairman of Huddersfield Civic Society has admitted he didn’t even realise the museum existed until now.

However – after visiting the museum in the basement of the George Hotel for the first time on Monday – Prof Cullingford is now championing its cause.

He said: “It’s quite clear that people in Huddersfield don’t know about it. Everyone knows that the George Hotel is the birthplace of rugby league, but most people don’t know about the museum.

“I’ve been to the George many times for dinner without realising there was a museum in the basement. It’s not well advertised.”

Prof Cullingford’s ignorance came to light when the Examiner ran a story last month about the civic society’s proposals for the town centre. The group suggested building a museum to celebrate Huddersfield’s contribution to rugby league.

The proposal surprised Sam Morton, curator of the Rugby League Museum. The Examiner then set up a meeting between the two men at the museum.

Prof Cullingford was fascinated by the displays of rugby memorabilia on display.

He said: “I was very impressed. I can’t think of any hotel in the country that has a museum in its basement.

“We have to find ways for people to be proud of the museum. I think we could do much more with it.

“We could develop the existing museum rather than build a new one.”

Mr Morton agreed. He said: “I’m glad that Cedric was suitably impressed. Without a doubt the museum needs to be promoted more – sometimes you don’t know what’s in your own town.”

Prof Cullingford bumped into rugby commentator Mike Stephenson during his visit to the museum. The Sky Sports man set up the museum in 2005.

He said: “I’ve got no problem with the fact that the professor didn’t realise it was there. Sometimes in life we don’t know what’s right in front of us.”

Mr Stephenson added: “My ambition was to give something back to anyone who’s interested in the history of rugby league. I make no money out of it, in fact I lose money, but I want the museum to be my legacy to the sport.”

The museum was opened on August 29, 2005 – the 110th anniversary of the meeting at the George Hotel when the Northern Rugby Football Union was formed. Its exhibits include more than 40 international caps, historic trophies and international and club shirts.

The museum is free of charge and is open to the public from 11am to 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays. People can also view by appointment at other times of the week by calling 07787 256 766.