HUDDERSFIELD should be officially recognised for its rugby heritage, says BARLA patron Maurice Oldroyd.

The recent Royal Wedding has prompted memories of a visit by the Queen to the town, by Mr Oldroyd, who is a founder member of the British Amateur Rugby League Association.

In November, 1990, the Queen officially opened BARLA’s headquarters in the town and chairman Alan Gibb presented gifts of a rugby ball and international shirts for Princes William and Harry.

The headquarters are now on New North Parade in the town.

Mr Oldroyd, 75, who played for and captained Underbank in Holmfirth during his playing days said: “Huddersfield is the birthplace of rugby league and it is time for the council to have a big thrust and use this as a major draw for sporting fans to the town.

“Rugby league was born here and we need to be loud and proud about the fact and shout it from the rooftops.”

Mr Oldroyd welcome proposals to try and bring the 2013 World Cup to Huddersfield’s Galpharm Stadium.

He said he was also delighted that the Rugby League Heritage Centre at the George Hotel in Huddersfield, where the game was founded in 1895, was also present.

He said he would like signs around the town proclaiming Huddersfield as rugby league’s homeland.