Holmfirth honours rugby league icon Wagstaff

The West Yorkshire village of Holmfirth has commemorated the life of Harold Wagstaff, a true rugby league great.

Known as the ‘Prince of Centres’, Wagstaff was one of the icons of early 20th century rugby league.

Now, visitors to Holmfirth can explore the Wagstaff Trail, which links together important places in the player’s life.

Born in Holmfirth on May 9, 1891, Wagstaff played 436 games for Huddersfield between 1906 and 1925. He scored 175 tries for the club, and won nine England caps, as well as 12 for Great Britain.

He also featured on a stamp in 1995, when the Royal Mail issued a set of stamps commemorating the centenary of the foundation of the Northern Union, which would go on to be the Rugby Football League.

The heritage trail visits four significant locations, and starts with the blue plaque which marks his life, near to the Shoulder of Mutton pub.

It also includes the site of the former Druids Arms pub, located on Dunford Road, close to Wagstaff’s former home.

This was where he signed for Huddersfield, to launch his professional career.

Dave Calverley, of the Huddersfield Giants Supporters Association, was part of a group of fans who helped launch the trail

“It was a very interesting evening and I’m sure the trail will be a great asset,” Calverley told the Huddersfield Daily Examiner.

“We were given some great details about Wagstaff and when we stopped at key points along the way, other people stopped to listen in.

“It was interesting to hear that in Dunford Road, where he lived, there were three pubs all within yards of each other.

“I am sure it will be of interest not just to rugby fans and Giants fans but to people visiting Holmfirth.”