A RESEARCHER who is chronicling the pre-rugby league history of Barrow Rugby is appealing for photographs and information to help with his book.

David Huitson has spent much time researching the history of the team, which was formed in 1875 and played under the auspices of the Rugby Football Union before joining the breakaway Northern Union – now the Rugby Football League – in 1897, two years after its foundation.

The club’s early history was originally chronicled in 1908, but this book is set to bring that information up to date with a specific focus on the era when rugby was a strictly amateur sport.

Along with taking an overview of Barrow’s 22-year history in the RFU, Huitson is planning to include a section which covers the other clubs from the town and surrounding area which played rugby during that period as well.

In particular, he would like to hear from anyone who has pictures of the teams from this era which represented Roose, Dalton and Askam.

However, he would be glad to speak to those with photographs or information of any nature on rugby in the area prior the schism of 1895.

“The information I have compiled has all come from the newspapers of the day, which for the most part is pretty good and enough to put the book together,” said Huitson.

“Most of the photos have come from the original history written in 1908, including several team photos of local sides playing in the Barrow area and a few of the Barrow team itself.

“They are probably enough, but I would love to include any others I can get my hands on.

“Anyone with any information on relatives they know to have played would be welcome.”

There is no set deadline for publication, although Huitson hopes to have the book ready for some time in the first half of next year.

Anyone who is able help Huitson out with either pictures or information can contact him via email at Dave2612@hotmail.com.