A PETITION to bring the Bradford Bulls back to the city smashed 1,000 signatures in just 24 hours.

People from across the globe have added their name to the petition. Signatures have come from Bradford and the wider West Yorkshire region, but people have also shown their support from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Portugal, France, the Netherlands, Cyprus and Canada.

It's a marker that the rugby league world is backing the rallying cry to bring the team back home. The campaign was launched on Monday by Bradford South MP Judith Cummins and Bullbuilder, the Bradford Bulls Supporters Trust.

She recently convened a meeting between the Bulls, the Rugby Football League (RFL) and Bradford Council and says there was a “willingness from all sides to get the Bulls playing back in Bradford”.

The petition is intended to show the club, RFL and the Council how much it matters to people to have their rugby team back in their city.

Mrs Cummins said of the latest development: “The petition says loudly and clearly that Bulls fans want our team back in Bradford as soon as possible.

“The fact that we have got over one thousand signatures so quickly shows the Council and the RFL how important this matter is to the people of Bradford.We want our team back.”

Paul Butterworth, chair of Bullbuilder, added: “I am delighted that in just 24 hours we have already got over 1,000 signatures for our “Bring the Bulls Back” petition. It is tremendous that people from Bradford and from all over the rugby league world are standing shoulder to shoulder with us.

"We need to work as an off the field team to get a good result for the Bulls, so please if you haven’t signed the petition yet, go to Change.org and sign.

“One of the Council's top five priorities is to the Rugby League Museum opening in Bradford which reflects how much the sport means to Bradford.

"We must have the Bulls back playing in the city.”

Bradford Bulls fans said an emotional farewell to Odsal at the last home game of the season back on September 1. Next year the club will play its home games at Dewsbury Rams’ Tetley’s Stadium.

The club signed a two-year deal to play at their Championship neighbours, with the decision being made due to the high financial costs of remaining at Odsal.

The news, which broke back in August, meant the end of an era for the club which had been based there since 1934. More than 7,000 people turned out to say their goodbyes.

Many people have left messages of support on the petition.

Lesley Connell wrote: "The Bulls are Bradford and Bradford is the Bulls."

While Brian Taylor said: "Bradford Bulls are part of the the tradition and history of Bradford and belong in our city."

If you would like add your name to the petition, visit www.change.org/p/bradford-council-bring-the-bulls-back. If it hits 1,500 signatures, it will have to be debated at Bradford Council’s next Full Council meeting.