Huddersfield is steeped in Rugby League history having been one of the original 22 clubs who formed what was known as the Northern Rugby Football Union in 1895. In those days, and up until 1992 the club played at the Fartown ground and are often referred to by that name, particularly by the more senior of their following. From 1994 onwards they have been ground sharing with their soccer counterparts Huddersfield Town at the Galpharm Stadium. This partnership has been a great financial boost to both clubs and gives the rugby league and soccer fans of Huddersfield their very own mecca.
The Galpharm Stadium, originally known as the Alfred McAlpine Stadium, was opened in 1994 and has a capacity of 24,995. The stadium, which cost an estimated 40 million pounds to build, has hosted many high profile games including the World Cup semi finals in 1995 and 2000 where the Huddersfield faithful witnessed the awesome power of the Australian Rugby League national team.
The club is now known as Huddersfield Giants and they play in the European Super League, a competitive league which attracts some serious attention from the media in particular Sky Sports who feature many of the games live on TV. This generates a lot of revenue for the participating clubs. Being the home of rugby league, the north of England proudly boasts several of the European Super League teams. Household names such as Bradford Bulls, Leeds Rhinos, Wakefield Trinity Wildcats and Warrington Wolves number amongst these. Games between any of these northern sides attract a lot of attention and the rivalry between the sets of supporters almost guarantees cup tie like tension.
In recent years Huddersfield Giants have built a very rewarding partnership with Co-operative Championship side Batley Bulldogs, This union has all the makings of being successful and the supporters of both sides have warmed to this partnership. Batley is also one of the original twenty-two rugby league football clubs that formed the Northern Rugby Football Union in 1895. Many Huddersfield players have gone on to represent their countries, England, Wales, Scotland and even Great Britain.
Huddersfield Giants play in Claret and Gold and have an impressive record in competition over the years. They have won the Championship seven times, the last time being in 1962. They have also won the Challenge Cup on six occasions. They have had their highs and lows having been down as far as the third division, which they were champions of in 1992. The do hold on auspicious record for the most points score in a season amassing a massive one thousand one hundred and fifty six points in the 2001 2002 season.
2006 will remain in many supporters memories as one of the finest years in the clubs history. Having signed a host of new players, including the legendary New Zealander Robbie Paul, to strengthen the side the battled through to the Challenge Cup final, having a notable victory in the semi final against the strong favourites Bradford Bulls. Whilst they did not lift the trophy on this occasion it was a season which laid the groundwork for future success.
If you are a Rugby League fan Huddersfield is definitely worth a visit. There are some great, good value hotels in Huddersfield to accommodate you.
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