A travel company with a branch in Oswestry has signed a major sponsorship deal with Wales helping them reach their goals at the Rugby World Cup.

Hays Travel will have its brand logo on the Welsh red shirt Travel for the prestigious tournament which kicks-off today (Saturday, October 15), when England take on Samoa at St James’s Park, Newcastle.

Don Bircham, managing director of Hays Travel North West, said: "It is an honour for Hays Travel to be on the red shirt of Wales which has been worn by icons like Iestyn Harris, Kieron Cunningham and Jonathan Davies and back through the years by John Bevan, Clive Sullivan and Billy Boston.

"There’s a massive following for rugby league here and Wales has a historic bond with the game with so many of its greats having come north, including the current Wales chairman, Brian Juliff.

"Many rugby league fans will know our brand as we have a strong presence in the North West including stores at Warrington, Widnes, Rochdale and St Helens where Wales’s second group game against Tonga is at the Saints’ Totally Wicked Stadium so this sponsorship is a perfect fit for us." he added

Wales are tipped to beat Cook Islands which could set the stage for a decisive meeting with a very physical Papua New Guinea side at Doncaster on Monday, October 31, with England likely to await the winners in the quarter-finals.

Brian Julliff, chairman of Wales Rugby League, commented: "We’re thrilled to welcome such a recognised name as Hays Travel as a partner for our men’s team during Rugby League World Cup."

For more on Wales Rugby League team go to https://rugbyleague.wales/ and for information on the Rugby League World Cup go to https://www.rlwc2021.com/