Leicester's rugby history honoured in new exhibition

Leicester Rugby Football Club (1932-33) Credit: Records Office for Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland

Leicester's 140-year rugby history will be celebrated in a new exhibition opening today, as the Rugby World Cup kicks off at Twickenham tonight.

It looks at the history of rugby in the city through the stories of local people using artefacts and rugby memorabilia.

Rugby Artefacts

‘Leicester Rugby, Leicester People: A Community History’ is on display at the Newarke House Museum.

It looks back at the beginnings of the sport in Leicester, speaking to local fans and players, and features a range of exhibits including:

  • Audio clips of interviews with grassroots players and loyal fans

  • Martin Johnson’s England shirt

  • Photograph of the first rugby team in Leicester

  • Collection of 1930s rugby-inspired cigarette cards

Martin Johnson is one of Leicester's most legendary players Credit: Mike Egerton/EMPICS Sport

Leicester's Rugby History

Leicester is one of the country's most prominent cities for rugby as home to Leicester Tigers, founded more than 100 years ago.

The Tigers have won the Premiership more times than any other side in the last fifteen years with five titles with the most recent title coming in 2013.

Six Leicester Tigers were in the match day squad for the 2003 World Cup Final, with Martin Johnson captaining the side to victory.

Old Wyggestonian Rugby Club (1949-50) Credit: Newarke House Museum

Find out more

Entry to the museum is free - and the exhibition will be on show until April of next year.

To find out more about which Midlands-based players have made the Rugby World Cup squad for England, click here.