Kicking plan for rugby league museum into touch is Bradford’s loss

THIS is not the time to moan about things. However, the recent announcement by Rugby League Cares to scuttle the planned creation of a National RL Museum at Bradford City Hall deserves a mention.

Bradford, after all, has been a huge part of rugby league history.

Since the early autumn of 2016, when the project was launched, expectations have been high that Bradford – chosen as the most creative applicant in the tender process – could look forward to a unique visitor attraction.

For the people of Bradford and the wider rugby league community in general, this project would surely have created a welcome boost to the local economy and provided enjoyment for supporters and the wider public.

Its potential value as an educational resource for schools, colleges and universities is important too.

For whatever reason, Bradford Council, RL Cares and, I assume, several other partners, have not been able to seal the deal.

In my opinion, a great opportunity for Bradford has been lost.

Let us hope a new venue can be found in the not-too-distant future so that we may pay due respect to our forebears whose achievements and sacrifices should never be forgotten.

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