Huddersfield Giants facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Huddersfield Giants

Club information
Full name	Huddersfield Giants Rugby League Football Club
Nickname(s)	The Giants Fartown The Claret and Golds Cowbell Army
Colours	Claret and Gold
Founded	1864; 161 years ago (1864)
Current details
Ground(s)	Accu Stadium (24,500)
Chairman	Ken Davy
Coach	Luke Robinson
Captain	Leroy Cudjoe
Competition	Super League
2024 season	9th
Uniforms
Home colours Away colours Third colours
Records
Championships	7 (1912, 1913, 1915, 1929, 1930, 1949, 1962)
Challenge Cups	6 (1913, 1915, 1920, 1933, 1945, 1953)
Other top-tier honours	24

The Huddersfield Giants are a professional rugby league team from Huddersfield, England. They play their home games at the Accu Stadium. The Giants compete in the Super League, which is the top level of rugby league in Britain.

The Huddersfield Giants have won the League Championship seven times. They have also won the Challenge Cup six times. Their team colours are claret (a deep red) and gold. They wear a shirt with thin gold hoops, claret shorts, and claret and gold hooped socks. The club has rivalries with teams like Leeds, Bradford, and Halifax.

Club History

How the Giants Started: Early Years (1848–1894)

The first record of a football game in Huddersfield was in 1848. Men from Hepworth played against men from Holmfirth. The Hepworth team won a tough game and a £5 prize.

In 1850, the Apollo Gymnasium opened. It was a place where young men could do sports like fencing and swimming. When the gymnasium became a theatre in 1864, the athletes formed the Huddersfield Athletic Club. They met on November 16, 1864, and started a new gymnasium. This makes Huddersfield the oldest rugby league club. They celebrated their 150th anniversary in 2014.

In 1866, the Huddersfield Athletic Club started a football section. At first, members paid a small fee to play. As the football club grew, it helped the Athletic Club get more members. By 1870, three players were chosen to play for Yorkshire. By 1872, the club was so popular that a second team was formed.

Huddersfield players with the Yorkshire Cup in 1890

The club needed better facilities. In 1875, they merged with St John's Cricket Club. This club had moved to the Fartown ground. This new club was called the Huddersfield Cricket and Athletics Club. Rugby games started at Fartown in 1878. This ground was their home for 114 years and gave the club its famous "Fartown" nickname.

Northern Union and Golden Years (1895-1920s)

In 1895, Huddersfield was one of the founding members of the Northern Rugby Football Union. This later became the Rugby Football League. For the first 60 years of rugby league, Huddersfield was one of the strongest teams. Only Wigan won more trophies.

Harold Wagstaff played his first game for Huddersfield in 1906. He was only 15 years old, making him the youngest first-team player at that time. He signed for £5.

Huddersfield beat the touring Australian Kangaroos team in 1908. They were so impressed with player Albert Rosenfeld that they signed him that evening. They also signed Australian player Pat Walsh.

The club's best period was around the time of the First World War. They had a team of players from across the British Empire. This team was known as "The Team of All Talents." They were led by Harold Wagstaff and are still considered one of the best rugby teams ever. They won 13 trophies in the five years before the First World War.

Three players from this team are in the original Rugby League Hall of Fame: Harold Wagstaff, Albert Rosenfeld, and Douglas Clark. Huddersfield has five players in the Hall of Fame in total, more than any other club.

Huddersfield in 1915, celebrating winning "All Four Cups" in the 1914–15 season.

"The Team of All Talents" was famous for its amazing attacking play. In 1911–12, Rosenfeld scored 78 tries, a record at the time. His teammate, Stan Moorhouse, scored 52. In 1913–14, Rosenfeld broke his own record with 80 tries. This record still stands today.

On February 28, 1914, Huddersfield beat Swinton Park 119–2 in a Challenge Cup game. Rosenfeld scored 7 tries in that match. This was a record score until 1994. On November 26, 1994, Huddersfield broke their own record. They beat Blackpool Gladiators 142–4 in a Challenge Cup game. Centre Greg Austin scored 9 tries in that match.

In the 1914–15 season, Huddersfield became only the second team to win "all four cups." They won the Championship, the Challenge Cup, the Yorkshire County Cup, and the Yorkshire League. Before the First World War, Huddersfield went unbeaten for 38 matches.

After the war, in the 1919–20 season, Huddersfield won their first five games. This extended their unbeaten run to 43 matches over six years, which is still a record. This amazing run included 28 league games and many cup matches.

Post-War Success (1940s–1960s)

In 1949, Huddersfield won the League Championship. They beat Warrington 13–12 in the final at Maine Road, Manchester. A record crowd of 75,194 watched the game. They also won the Yorkshire League title that season.

The highest attendance at Fartown for a Huddersfield game was 32,912 in 1950 against Wigan. In 1950, Huddersfield won the Yorkshire League again. They also won the Yorkshire Cup in 1950–51, 1952–53, and 1957–58.

In 1953, Huddersfield won the Challenge Cup. They beat St. Helens 15–10 in the final at Wembley.

In the 1961–62 season, Huddersfield lost to Wakefield Trinity in the Challenge Cup final. But the next week, Huddersfield won the Championship play-off final at Odsal. This was the last major trophy the club won for a long time.

Decline and Comeback (1970–1995)

By the 1970s, the club was not doing well. The Fartown ground was falling apart, and the team often finished low in the league. In 1984, the club tried to get more fans by changing its name to 'Barracudas'. Fartown was renamed Arena 84. But crowds still stayed away.

In 1989, a new group of directors took over. They invested money into the club. The 'Barracudas' name was dropped. Nigel Stephenson became the coach. Other clubs helped Huddersfield build a better team. The new owners also improved the Fartown stadium. By 1990, average crowds were over 1,000 again.

In 1991, Alex Murphy became coach. He led Huddersfield to win the newly formed third division. This meant promotion to the Second Division. However, the club faced financial problems again. In 1992, the club left Fartown and moved to Huddersfield Town's home ground at Leeds Road.

In 1993, Huddersfield played in a European Clubs Championship final in Barcelona. They beat XIII Catalan 23–22.

In 1994, Huddersfield faced more financial trouble. George Fairburn became coach. The club finished 3rd in the second division in 1994–95. They reached the final of the Second Division premiership, losing to Keighley Cougars. They also made it to the Challenge Cup quarter-finals.

In November 1994, Huddersfield set a world record for the highest score and winning margin. They beat Blackpool Gladiators 142–4. This record stood for almost 24 years.

New Stadium and "Giants" Name (1992–1998)

In August 1992, Huddersfield played their last game at Fartown. They then shared Leeds Road with Huddersfield Town for two years. In 1994, both clubs moved to the new Kirklees Stadium (now John Smith's Stadium). Huddersfield's first game at the new stadium was a 50–12 win over Barrow.

In 1996, British rugby league changed to a summer season. Ken Davy became chairman of Huddersfield. The team added "Giants" to its name. Steve Ferres became coach. Garry Schofield joined the team. In 1997, Huddersfield won the Divisional Championship at Old Trafford. In 1998, they were promoted to Super League. Schofield became coach but the team struggled. He was replaced by Phil Veivers.

Huddersfield-Sheffield Giants (1999–2000)

In 1999, the club merged with Sheffield Eagles for financial reasons. They were called the Huddersfield-Sheffield Giants. They played some home games in Sheffield. This merger only lasted one season because fans from both clubs did not like it. The team struggled, winning only four games in 2000.

Relegation and Comeback (2001–2004)

In 2001, Australian coach Tony Smith joined the club. The team lost its first 14 games, including a big 78-point loss to Bradford. However, they improved and won 6 of their last 14 games. Despite this, Huddersfield was relegated from Super League.

In 2002, Huddersfield played in the Northern Ford Premiership. They had an amazing season, winning 29 games and drawing only one. They scored 1,156 points, equalling a record. They won the Buddies Cup and the NFP Grand Final, earning promotion back to Super League for 2003.

Huddersfield players after losing to St. Helens in the 2006 Challenge Cup Final

In 2003, under Tony Smith, Huddersfield became a strong Super League club. They beat Leeds for the first time since 1965. They also beat Wigan and St Helens. Smith left for Leeds, and Jon Sharp became coach in 2004. The team finished 7th and reached the Challenge Cup semi-finals.

Rising Again (2005–2009)

In 2005, the Giants signed Australian player Michael De Vere. He was the club's first Australian international player since the 1950s.

In 2006, the Giants signed more new players, including Robbie Paul. They reached the 2006 Challenge Cup Final after beating Leeds 30–12 in the semi-final. They lost the final to St. Helens 42–12. This was Huddersfield's best achievement since 1970.

The 2007 season started with seven losses. But then, Huddersfield went on their longest winning streak in Super League, winning nine games. This included a 36–12 win over Bradford. They qualified for the play-offs for the first time but lost to Hull F.C..

In 2008, after a series of poor results, coach Jon Sharp left the club. Nathan Brown became the new head coach in 2009. This season was one of the club's best in years. New signing Brett Hodgson won the Super League Man of Steel award. Huddersfield finished 3rd in the league and reached the Challenge Cup final at Wembley for the first time since 1962. They lost 25–16 to Warrington.

League Leaders and Later Years (2010–2017)

In 2010, the Giants finished 5th in the league. They reached the play-offs but lost to St Helens. In 2011, they finished 4th. They had their first win at Leeds since 1960.

In 2012, Huddersfield started strong, leading the Super League for a while. But their form dropped, and they finished 7th. They reached the Challenge Cup semi-final but lost to Warrington. Coach Nathan Brown and captain Kevin Brown left the club. Paul Anderson took over as coach.

In 2013, Anderson's team started very well. They beat St Helens 40–4, their first win there since 1978. Huddersfield finished top of the league, winning the League Leader's Shield for the first time in 81 years. Five players from the team were chosen for the Super League Dream Team. However, they lost in the play-offs to Wigan and then to Warrington, missing out on the Grand Final.

In 2014, the club celebrated 100 years since "The Team of All Talents" won All Four Cups. They finished 3rd in the regular season but lost in the play-offs. In 2015, they finished 4th and reached the Super 8s, but again lost in the play-offs to Wigan.

In 2016, the Giants had a bad start, winning only 1 of their first 10 games. Coach Paul Anderson was replaced by Rick Stone. The club finished bottom of the regular season table. They avoided relegation by beating Hull KR in their final game.

In 2017, the Giants improved, finishing 8th. They had a tough start with injuries and lost in the Challenge Cup to Swinton. After some new signings, they had a more successful finish. Sebastine Ikahihifo was named in the Super League Dream Team.

Women's Team (2017 onwards)

In December 2017, Huddersfield announced they would have an under 19s girls' team. The goal was to create a competitive Women's Super League team. The Huddersfield Giants Women team has played in the Women's Super League since 2021. In 2021, they won the Super League Shield final, beating Featherstone Rovers 24–22. In 2022, they reached the Challenge Cup quarter-final.

Recent Seasons (2018–2024)

After a poor start to the 2018 season, coach Rick Stone was replaced by Simon Woolford. Woolford improved the team's performance, winning 12 of his first 14 games. However, the team lost their last five games of the season.

Woolford's first full season in 2019 was difficult, with the team finishing 10th. The 2020 season started well, but the Covid pandemic stopped play. When the season restarted, the Giants struggled. Woolford left the club in September 2020. Luke Robinson became interim coach.

In 2020, Ian Watson was appointed head coach for the 2021 Super League season. The club finished seventh in 2021, missing the play-offs. Watson made changes to the team.

The 2022 season was Huddersfield's best in a decade. Watson led them to the Challenge Cup final in May 2022. They beat Hull Kingston Rovers 25–4 in the semi-final. On May 28, 2022, Huddersfield played Wigan Warriors in the final at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Wigan scored a try with two minutes left to win 16–14. This denied Huddersfield their first major trophy in 60 years.

Huddersfield finished third in the 2022 Super League season. They lost 28–0 to Salford in the play-offs, ending their season.

Hopes were high for the 2023 Season, but the team struggled. They lost heavily in the Challenge Cup to Salford. The Giants finished 10th in the league.

In the 2024 Super League season, Huddersfield started well, winning seven of their first ten games. However, their form declined. Watson was removed as coach after a run of poor results, including a 46–10 loss to Warrington in a cup semi-final. Luke Robinson became interim head coach again. The club finished 9th.

Looking Ahead (2025 onwards)

In September 2024, Luke Robinson was appointed head coach on a three-year deal. The 2025 Super League season started poorly for Huddersfield, as they lost their first nine games. In round 10, they got their first win, beating Hull F.C. 12–10 at Magic Weekend.

After the 2025 season, Huddersfield Giants will move to Halifax to play at The Shay. They will share the ground with Halifax's rugby league and football clubs. This move is happening while their own smaller stadium is being built.

Youth Development

The Giants have a very good academy system. The Supporters Association helps by providing volunteers and raising money for the academy and scholarship teams. In 2018, the academy team, nicknamed "Baby Giants," reached the top 4 grand final play-off semi-final. Many players from this team have gone on to play for the first team. These include Jake Wardle, Oliver Russell, Innes Senior, and Matty English. Other famous players who came from the Giants academy include Leroy Cudjoe, Michael Lawrence, and Jermaine McGillvary. As of 2022, 18 players in the first team squad came from Huddersfield's youth system.

Stadiums

Fartown Ground (1878–1992)

Main stand at Fartown

The Fartown Ground was first a cricket ground. Huddersfield rugby club started playing there in 1878. It hosted two Challenge Cup finals. During the 1980s, the stadium became run down. Huddersfield left Fartown in 1992, but it was still used for training until 2004. It now hosts amateur games.

Leeds Road (1992–1994)

Leeds Road

From 1992 to 1994, Huddersfield shared the Leeds Road stadium with Huddersfield Town football club.

Kirklees Stadium (1994–2025)

Kirklees Stadium

In 1994, both Huddersfield Giants and Huddersfield Town moved to the new Kirklees Stadium. This stadium has a capacity of 24,500. The Giants' record attendance there is 15,629, set in 2008 against Leeds.

Supporters

The Huddersfield Giants have a loyal group of fans. About 200–300 fans travel to away games, and over 4,000 attend most home games. The fans are sometimes called "the Cowbell Army" because some bring cowbells to games.

There is also a group of fans called 'Block 7' at home games. They sing, chant, and create a lively atmosphere for the team.

The Huddersfield Giants Supporters Association (HGSA) is a group of volunteers. They raise money for the academy and scholarship teams. They also help organize and promote games for the junior teams. In 2019, the HGSA was nominated for an award for their work in junior and community development.

Kit Sponsors

2025 Squad

Famous Players: Hall of Fame

Seven Huddersfield rugby league players have been added to the Rugby League Hall of Fame:

• Douglas "Doug/Dougie/Duggy" Clark
• Neil Fox
• Mick Sullivan
• Albert Rosenfeld
• Harold Wagstaff
• Garry Schofield
• Eorl Crabtree

In 2006, Albert Rosenfeld was also inducted into the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.

Team Seasons

Achievements: Men's Honours

The 3rd Division title winning squad in front of the main stand at Fartown

League Titles

• Division 1/ Super League:

Winners (7): 1911–12, 1912–13, 1914–15, 1928–29, 1929–30, 1948–49, 1961–62

• League Leaders:

Winners (1): 2013

• Division 2/ Championship:

Winners (2): 1974–75, 2002

• Division 3/ League 1:

Winners (1): 1991–92

• RFL Yorkshire League:

Winners (11): 1911–12, 1912–13, 1913–14, 1914–15, 1919–20, 1921–22, 1928–29, 1929–30, 1948–49, 1949–50, 1951–52

Cup Wins

• Challenge Cup:

Winners (6): 1912–13, 1914–15, 1919–20, 1932–33, 1944–45, 1952–53

• RFL Yorkshire Cup:

Winners (12): 1909–10, 1911–12, 1913–14, 1914–15, 1918–19, 1919–20, 1926–27, 1931–32, 1938–39, 1950–51. 1952–53, 1957–58

• RFU Yorkshire Cup:

Winners (1): 1890

• Championship Cup:

Winners (1): 2002

Achievements: Women's Honours

• RFL Women's Super League Shield:

Winners (1): 2021

Team Records (Men)

Player Records

• Most tries in a match: 10 by Lionel Cooper vs Keighley, November 17, 1951
• Most goals in a match: 18 by Major Holland vs Swinton Park, February 28, 1914
• Most points in a match: 39 by Major Holland vs Swinton Park, February 28, 1914
• Most tries in a season: 80 by Albert Rosenfeld, 1913–14
• Most goals in a season: 148 by Danny Brough, 2013
• Most points in a season: 332 by Danny Brough, 2013

Team Records

• Highest score: 142–4 vs Blackpool Gladiators, November 26, 1994
• Highest attendance at Fartown: 32,912 vs Wigan, March 4, 1950
• Highest attendance at a neutral game (Fartown): 35,136 Leeds vs Wakefield Trinity, RL Challenge Cup Semi-Final, April 19, 1947
• Most consecutive wins in Super League: 8 games (2013)
• Highest attendance vs an international touring team: 26,017 vs Australia, 1948–49 Kangaroo tour

All-Time Records

• Most tries by any player in a season: 80 by Albert Rosenfeld, 1913–14
• Most tries by a centre in a season: 52 by Greg Austin, 1994–95
• Most tries by a centre in a game: 9 by Greg Austin, vs Blackpool Gladiators, November 26, 1994
• Highest score: 142–4 vs Blackpool Gladiators, as above
• Highest winning margin: 138 vs Blackpool Gladiators, as above
• Longest unbeaten run: 43 matches, 1914–1919
• Unbeaten in a season: 28 games (27 wins, 1 draw), 2001–02
• Most points scored in a season: 1,156, 2001–2002

Images for kids

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  Huddersfield supporters at Wigan

• 

  Huddersfield Giants players and fans celebrate reaching the 2022 Challenge Cup Final, Elland Road, Leeds, May 2022

See also

In Spanish: Huddersfield Giants para niños