The Northern Union adopted the name ‘Rugby League’ in 1922. George Boak, also a successful athlete, became the league’s first ever professional in 1895, when he signed for Huddersfield at ...

The George Hotel in Huddersfield ... from 21 northern rugby clubs held a meeting on 29 August 1895. It was there they voted to secede from the Rugby Football Union to set up the Northern Union ...