Hunslet will parade their iconic heritage strip at London Skolars tomorrow (Saturday 18 March).

The Parksiders have adopted their original colours of blue and white squares for away games in 2023, in celebration of the club’s launch 140 years ago. And the historic kit – which incorporates a chocolate cross and a chocolate `lion rampant’ badge, to reflect the more recent away strip – will be worn for the first time when the south Leeds outfit strides out at 3.00pm for the attractive Betfred League One fixture at the New River Stadium, Haringey.

Hunslet’s first match was a home victory over Hull A on 6 October 1883, at Woodhouse Hill, behind the Cemetery (now Parnaby) Tavern. Five years later the club moved to Parkside and, seven years after that, Hunslet were leading lights in the famous `breakaway’ from the Rugby Football Union, the Northern Union (later rebranded Rugby Football League) being launched following the historic meeting at the George Hotel, Huddersfield.

Historian Steve Calline said: “It’s really good to see Hunslet turning out in kit based on the original colours. Our founding fathers, Billy Gilston and Matt Carr, would be proud of one of the ways we’re celebrating an important anniversary.”