The exact date Holbeck were formed is unknown, but they joined the Northern Union in time for its second season in 1896–97.
The site of the Old Peacock Ground, an open grass field, was at the foot of Beeston Hill on the Leeds to Elland Road.
The remaining clubs, which included Holbeck and several new additions, continued in the Lancashire and Yorkshire Senior Competitions, which became in effect two regional second divisions.
For the 1902–03 season football team Leeds Woodville ground shared as tenants of Holbeck Rugby Club.
It has been suggested that Holbeck Rugby Club reformed as Leeds City but there does not appear to be any hard evidence to support this claim.
Several articles suggest that Holbeck RFC played in blue and yellow (or gold), which are the sporting colours of Leeds.