The last three decades has seen rugby league leave behind many of its iconic venues with the sport attempting to move into more modern times.
The likes of Salford, St Helens, Warrington, Hull FC and Wigan have upped sticks to brand-new stadia that look every bit the 21st century creation, whilst others such as Castleford and Wakefield still maintain those traditional homes.
Within former grounds, however, were decades of unforgettable moments and cherished memories that make up much of British and international rugby league’s early history.
From incredible games to superb moments, pieces of history have been wiped away at the crash of a digger, with houses, schools and supermarkets all sitting on the land of previous rugby league foundations.
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)
Old Craven Park in its final years. Credit: Tiger 2000 Flickr
Old Craven Park today: Morrison’s supermarket and car park
Wilderspool Stadium, Warrington (last game: 2003)
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: DCBL Stadium. Credit: News Images
Warrington Wolves
Exiled Super League star makes rugby league return
Warrington Wolves
Sam Burgess makes decision on future following South Sydney links
