YOUNG rugby players are looking the part after a donation from a local company paid for new club polo shirts.

Morrison Utility Services has sponsored Wensleydale RUFC's U7s, U8s and U9s.

The company offered to help after a staff member from the Ripon yard, Steven Michael, known to the children as Smurf, began volunteering with the club as a coach.

The HGV grab operator, who coaches the U8s, asked his employer to support the club as part of their community projects scheme.

Tim Waite, Morrison's commercial manager, said: "We were drawn to the idea of sponsoring Wensleydale RUFC after seeing the pride, dedication and enjoyment it brought to Smurf.

"The way in which he spoke about the way the club where not only helping to introduce local children to rugby but the enjoyment and skills that he was getting out of it personally, after taking on qualifications to coach children himself, was infectious."

As well as paying for the polo shirts, the company has agreed to support the club's rugby in schools initiative next season.

Jim McRobert, Wensleydale RUFC secretary, said the club was extremely grateful to the company for its support.

"I'd like to think the next Jonny Wilkinson or Chris Robshaw is out there now just waiting for the opportunity that this money helps to provide," he added.