Robins

"From the first time I saw them I was a Rovers fan - for better or worse —and always will be,” - historianRogerPugh ofa life-long passion that began in1968. In this second, updated edition of the official history, he takes us backto the founding fathers ofa club whose name has becomesynonymous withrugby league, and traces their story upto thepresent day, culminating in theirrecord-breakingtreble of ChallengeCup, League LeadersShield andSuperLeagueGrandFinal wins of 2025. This is a fascinating story of the of their initial growth in the late nineteenth century against all the odds; of headyforces of economic depression in the city; of arenaissanceand transition to becoming‘nearly men’; the gloriousbreakthrough to thevery top; followedbya slide intoobscurity, administration before theirrescue andreturn. That Hull Kingston Rovers have survived at all through their dark periods is testament to the determination anddedication of men who simply would not let the club die, whose contributions should not be forgotten, theirachievements and tribulationsproperly documented andcelebrated. With a forewordbyownerNeilHudgell, who has donemore than anyone to get the club to where theyare today, It also contains profiles of iconic players through the eras,a focus on thegreat matches,a list of club honoursand a club-by-club analysis. Putting the Robins in their social context, this meticulously researched volume will appeal not only to fans of the redand whites of EastHull, but equally to sporting historians and those who love a tale of defiance and pride.