SAINTS stars Jon Wilkin, Tommy Makinson and Adam Swift swapped their gum shields for hair nets when they visited the Wirral factory of tea giants Typhoo.

They were given a tour of the Moreton factory on Wednesday, where they posed for photographs with staff, along with the Super League Trophy and League Leaders' Shield.

It was part of a whistle-stop tour to celebrate their continued partnership with Typhoo – who have sponsored St Helens RFC since 2012.

After sharing their thoughts for the upcoming Super League season with Typhoo bosses, the Saints players were taken around the factory, which employs 270 staff and boasts 11 different brands.

The partnership between Typhoo and Saints continues to develop as they shape their plans for the coming years, with both hoping to help the other in their goals to being the rugby league team and tea of choice for Merseyside.

Saints winning the Super League Grand Final this year was an amazing thing to witness and a great boost for Typhoo. Their logo will feature across the front of all St Helens shirts until 2016.

Dave Hutchinson, head of sales and marketing at the club, said: “St Helens RFC and Typhoo’s relationship is going from strength to strength during 2014, and the launch earlier this year of Typhoo Gold was definitely a lucky omen.

“Having Typhoo as our main club sponsors means a lot."