A WIDNES grassroot rugby team has won a competition to have new kit and equipment paid for by Northern Rail.

Halton Farnworth Hornets were among a group of grassroots rugby teams across the north, winning a competition that saw over 4,000 people apply for support for their local club.

The competition’s goal was to ‘help improve the training experience for young players’.

 It follows a competition organised by the train operator earlier this year that saw over 4,000 people apply for support for their local club.  

Stuart Taylor, head of commercial development at Northern, said: “We're always looking for ways to support the communities we serve.

“Rugby has a strong following among our customer base and the aim of this competition was to encourage more young people to take up the sport in their local area.

“Financial support for local sports groups can be tough - so for us to be able to provide them with new kit and equipment is something practical that will ensure more people have access to this great game.”

The train operator has now launched a follow-up competition for young people to create a piece of artwork that celebrates their favourite Super League moment.

The winning design will be displayed at the 2023 Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford in October.

Some of the other teams to benefit from the new kit and equipment – which includes steeden balls and bags, bibs, tackle shields, water bottles and cones – are:

  • Capenhurst Junior Rugby (Chester, Cheshire)
  • Beverley Braves (Beverley, East Yorkshire)
  • West Hull (Hull, East Yorkshire)
  • Clock Face Miners (St Helens, Merseyside)
  • Brighouse Rangers (Brighouse, West Yorkshire)
  • Fryston Warriors (Fryston, West Yorkshire)
  • King Cross Park RLFC (Halifax, West Yorkshire)
  • Stanningley AFRLC (Leeds, West Yorkshire)