Rugby Leagues Cares has safeguarded the future of the Trevor Foster collection of Rugby League memorabilia by purchasing this important piece of the sport’s heritage and providing it on permanent loan back to the Bulls Foundation’s heritage project.

The Bradford Bulls Foundation and Rugby League Cares have also agreed for the proceeds from the sale of the collection which has a specific value and interest to the club, their fans and the Bradford community to be donated to the Bullbuilder’s hardship fund.

Rugby League historian Professor Tony Collins said: “It's an honour and a privilege for Rugby League Cares to able to safeguard the memorabilia of one of Bradford and Rugby League's true heroes.

“We're proud that can play a part in supporting the magnificent efforts of the Bulls' supporters.”

The Bulls Heritage Project has a wonderful track record of engaging the community celebrating and promoting the club’s and the sport’s heritage.

Bradford Bulls Foundation General Manager Gareth Cook said: “Bradford Bulls Foundation are thrilled that Rugby League Cares has preserved the memorabilia of Bradford Legend Trevor Foster.

“Trevor is a significant figure at Bradford and I am sure that fans, players and staff will be happy to hear that his personal items will be kept as a collection and available for people to see at Heritage days throughout next season.

“The Bulls Foundation already delivers a high quality programme with Rugby League Cares and this is another coup for the partnership.”

BullBuilder is the name of the Bradford Bulls Supporters Trust. BullBuilder launched the hardship fund to support staff working at the Bradford Bulls who were made redundant but subsequently showed their dedication to the cause by returning to the club for free.

Bullbuilder spokesperson Mike Farran said: “BullBuilder are delighted with Rugby League Cares’ donation to the Hardship Fund and are equally delighted to hear that the Trevor Foster collection will be kept together on permanent loan to the Bulls Foundation.

“As well as his magnificent playing career, Trevor Foster was a legend for his work in the Rugby League and wider communities of Bradford. Foremost among his achievements in this sphere were his efforts in bringing Bradford Northern back from the brink of extinction in 1964.

“At the time of a similar threat to the club’s existence now, BullBuilder have done their best to ensure, via the Hardship Fund, that members of staff who were made redundant were still supported financially while continuing to give their all to the Bulls.

“Trevor’s son, Simon, has joined BullBuilder and stated that the Hardship Fund would have had his father’s full backing, so it is extremely gratifying that his memorabilia collection is supporting the fund, as well as the Bulls Foundation, in such a concrete way.”

Rugby League Cares is a new charity that brings together the existing Rugby League family of charities:

•           Rugby League Foundation
•           RFL Benevolent Fund
•           RFL Heritage Trust
•           Club Foundations

The central idea of Rugby League Cares is to provide assistance to Rugby League’s broad community by attracting more support from sponsors, partners and the public in general.  

Rugby League Cares supporting Rugby League’s broad community - Past, Present & Future:

•           Past: Celebrating and protecting Rugby League’s heritage and traditions.
•           Present: Helping to take care of members of the Rugby League family, especially in times of hardship and distress.
•           Future: Securing the future by funding, and supporting projects at the grassroots of the game.  

The Rugby League Cares official website is: http://www.rugbyleaguecares.org/

For more information on Bullbuilder visit: www.bullbuilder.co.uk