 They first became members of the Northern Rugby Football Union (now Rugby Football League in 1896–97 and stayed for three seasons until 1898–99.After a two-year break, they returned to the Northern Rugby Football Union (now Rugby Football League in 1901–02 for a further single season

At the end of season 1901–02 the club left the league.Heckmondwike FC was formed as a rugby football club some time before 1895.