Every rugby player who has represented Cumbria since 1882 is set to be documented through a major new heritage project.
The Cumbrian Heroes initiative, led by Looking Back CIC, has secured £42,904 in funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the work.
It aims to document, celebrate and preserve the heritage of rugby union in Cumbria, in partnership with Cumbria Rugby Football Union (CRFU).
Allison Simpson, director of Looking Back CIC, said: "Rugby Union has played an important part in the sporting identity and social history of Cumbria.
"It has relied on local people to play, officiate and support over the years and we want to use this project to tell that story and bring it to life by working with current supporters of the club and its former players/ officials."
The 18-month project aims to capture the full history of the game in the region, spanning its roots as the Cumberland and Westmorland Rugby Union through to the CRFU of today.
It will involve community clubs, current and former players, and supporters across the county.
A key outcome will be the creation of a fully searchable Cumbria Rugby Union Heritage Database, which will be hosted on the CRFU website.
This database is set to include a record for every player who has represented Cumbria since 1882.
It will include their name, a photo, their community club team, the date of their first representative game and any that followed, and if possible, the match reports and any other information.
Neil Marston, chairman of Cumbria RFU and an RFU council member, welcomed the funding.
He said: "The National Lottery Heritage Fund grant is a fantastic award for Looking Back – working together with our clubs and supporters we will be able to create fantastic database which celebrates the rich and varied history of rugby union in the county and celebrates the players who have represented the county over the years.
"The project is exciting and will bring to life the continuing history Cumbrian rugby union for a new audience, as well as for our long-standing, loyal supporters."
Those interested in volunteering or sharing stories can contact Allison Simpson at allison@cumbrianheroes.co.uk.
Share