Ahead of City's Sky Bet League 1 home game with Sheffield United last Sunday, Bradford’s Deputy Lord Mayor Coun Abid Hussain unveiled a special blue plaque outside the club's 1911 Club main reception to celebrate 120 years since the birth of the sport.
City Chief Operating Officer James Mason and RFL President Paul Morgan were also present at the unveiling before the Blades fixture.
Bradford has been chosen as one of the special national sites to commemorate key events in the 120 year history of rugby league, as it was the home of the first Northern Union champions, Manningham.
Blue plaques are being unveiled during September as part of the Rugby Football League’s (RFL) celebration of 120 years since the founding of rugby league in 1895.
Nigel Wood, RFL Chief Executive said: “Bradford has played a significant role in the history and development of Rugby League. It is fitting that this contribution should be recognised with a commemorative blue plaque in this special year for our sport
“As we celebrate our heritage we acknowledge the special role Manningham has played in the history of Rugby League.”
The football club has been chosen as the location for the plaque as this was the home of Manningham Rugby Club from 1886, before football was played at the site.
On August 29, 1895 at a historic meeting at the George Hotel in Huddersfield, 22 clubs broke away from the RFU to form the Northern Union which became Rugby League.