Culture And Memory

Cumbrian Heroes: Celebrating Cumbria’s Rugby Union heritage and county honours from 1882 to the present day

This project will document, celebrate, and preserve the heritage of Rugby Union in Cumbria by telling the story of every player who has represented the county since 1882—a story never fully told before. We will create a publicly accessible Cumbria Rugby Heritage Database, assigning official heritage numbers to all capped players. This will honour their contribution and protect a vital part of Cumbria’s sporting identity. Working with the 21 community clubs in Cumbria, local historians, and heritage enthusiasts, we will gather, verify, and share historical records through the Cumbria Rugby Football Union (CRFU) website. The project will also engage young people through intergenerational activities, linking them with former players and supporters. A network of volunteer “club historians” will ensure ongoing research and contributions. By preserving and celebrating this legacy, the project will strengthen community pride and keep Cumbria’s rugby story alive for future generations.