LEIGH’S long-standing affair with rugby was recognised when the game’s prominent historian and author Mike Latham revealed fascinating facts at the opening of the Tries, Teams and Trophies exhibition at Wigan’s Museum of Life.

On Saturday Mike recalled how Leigh Rugby Club and near neighbours Tyldesley, along with Wigan, broke away from the Rugby Football Union in 1895 and formed the Northern Union, the forerunner of Rugby League.

Adding colour to the exhibition which runs until January 11, 2014, was Leigh sporting historian, author and collector John Taylor who provided memorabilia relating to his home town club. John is well-known in the area for his involvement with Leigh Harriers AC and his pictorial history of the Athletic Club.

Exhibits relating to the Leigh club include a pair of 1930s rugby boots, long serving coach Joe Brisco’s silver fob watch and chain dating from 1909 and 1971 Wembley medal relating to Leigh’s Challenge Cup victory over Leeds.

There is even a clay pipe dating from the 1920s with rugby players in action on the bowl and photographs of the Leigh v Australia line-ups of 1908 and 1911 plus the contract drawn up between Leigh Rugby Club and Leigh Harriers relating to the post war link when Leigh played at the Athletic Ground alongside Holden Road.

Lynda Jackson, community history manager at the museum, said: “Our teams have done us proud this year and in November the Rugby League World Cup competition will put Leigh and Wigan on the international stage.

“I’m delighted we have been able to put this exhibition together to bring to life the history of the sport for everyone to enjoy.”