A NORTH-EAST firm has announced it is the new front of shirt sponsor for Wales Rugby League for the upcoming European Championship and 2021 Rugby League World Cup qualifiers.

The logo of Hartlepool-based Utility Alliance will take pride of place on Wales’ new-look home and alternative kits, supplied by Errea and Buy Sports Kit PRO.

Wales Rugby League chief executive Chris Thair said: “We’re delighted to welcome Utility Alliance on board as our new front of shirt sponsor. With World Cup qualification at stake in this year’s European Championship, it’s going to be a very exciting international schedule and we’re really pleased to add Utility Alliance to our portfolio of fantastic partners.

“It’s a company going places and we’re very much looking forward to building our relationship with the team at Utility Alliance.”

Ian Willis, head of PR & Marketing at Utility Alliance, added: “To see the Utility Alliance brand on the famous Welsh rugby jersey is particularly pleasing and we think the newly designed shirt looks great – we have been very impressed."