The last 30 years has seen rugby league leave behind many of its iconic venues with the sport attempting to move into more modern times.
Within those former grounds were decades of unforgettable moments and cherished memories that make up much of British and international rugby league’s early history.
We know times move on and the old crumbling stadiums were always going to be demolished, but it’s still quite sad to see what stands in their place today.
Houses, schools and supermarkets all sit on the land of rugby league foundations, so if you’re a bit sentimental and don’t want to ruin some of your earliest rugby league memories then look away.
Below are ‘then and now’ photos of 13 iconic former RL grounds.
Knowsley Road, St Helens (last game: 2010)
Knowsley Road matchday. Credit: Dave Kirkham
Knowsley Road today: Housing estate with five roads named after St Helens legends (Newlove Avenue, Wellens Walk, Sculthorpe Close, Coslett Drive and Cunningham Court)
The Boulevard, Hull (last game: 2002)
The Boulevard in 1999. Credit: Hull FC Supporters Twitter
The Boulevard today: Secondary school (The Boulevard Academy)
Central Park, Wigan (last game: 1999)
Wigan’s former Central Park home
Central Park today: Tesco supermarket and car park
Fartown Ground, Huddersfield (last game: 1992)
Fartown Ground was built in 1878
Fartown today: Amateur rugby field
Old Craven Park, Hull KR (last game: 1989)
Wilderspool Stadium in 2003
Wilderspool Stadium today: Grass field (160 homes to be built on the site)
Hilton Park, Leigh (last game: 2008)
Hilton Park, former home of Leigh Centurions. Credit: Russell Cox
Hilton Park today: Grass field (will be developed into the housing estate pictured)
The Willows, Salford (last game: 2011)
The Willows final matchday. Credit: Salford Red Devils
The Willows today: Housing estate. Credit: ForHousing
Thrum Hall, Halifax (last game: 1998)
Thrum Hall opened in 1886. Credit: Halifax RL
Thrum Hall today: Asda supermarket
Watersheddings, Oldham (last game: 1997)
Watersheddings hosted rugby league’s earliest War of the Roses matches. Credit: Oldham Rugby
Watersheddings today: Housing estate
Old Crown Flatt, Dewsbury (last game: 1991)
The original Crown Flatt first hosted sport in 1876
Old Crown Flatt today: Housing estate (streets named after Dewsbury greats)
Station Road, Swinton (last game: 1992)
Station Road hosted a number of Ashes Tests
Station Road today: Housing estate
Naughton Park, Widnes (last game: 1995)
The old Naughton Park in Widnes. Credit: Andy Dakin
Naughton Park today: Halton Stadium. Credit: News Images
Castleford Tigers
Castleford Tigers boss comments on rumoured transfer
Uncategorized
Hull KR playmaker handed ban on dual-reg duties
Castleford Tigers
Revealed: Why Sylvester Namo was found guilty and why it’s nonsense
Castleford Tigers
Castleford Tigers: Sylvester Namo appeal result confirmed
