SAINTS have been handed a significant commercial boost after Home Bargains, one of the UK's biggest retailers, extended their sponsorship deal with the club for a further three seasons.

The deal sees the chain continue as the principal club partners, continuing an agreement that started at the end of 2021.

The Merseyside-based company was founded back in 1976 by Tom Morris in Liverpool.

It has more than 600 stores in the UK, three of which are in St Helens.

Employing over 27,000 staff – the largest employer in Merseyside – Home Bargains boasts a turnover of £4.8 billion, with an aim to open more outlets in the coming years.

Regional Distribution Centre due to open

The company is working towards the completion of a Regional Distribution Centre at Omega-West in the Bold area of St Helens, which will aim to provide 750 new jobs. 

The deal will see Home Bargains’ branding continue on the main position of Saints' first team home and away kits for the next three seasons.

The club says the Home Bargains has supported the Saints Community Development Foundation to enhance many projects that are run by the charitable arm of the club.

Members of the 2024 St Helens First Team and staff from Saints Community Development Foundation with Home Bargains staff with the company's toy donations for the SCDF's Christmas AppealMembers of the 2024 St Helens First Team and staff from Saints Community Development Foundation with Home Bargains staff with the company's toy donations for the SCDF's Christmas Appeal (Image: Saints RFC)

Significant donations to the SCDF include books as part of our World Book Day project, toys for the Toy Appeal, which included collections at their stores and visits to hospitals at Christmas.

For the Easter Egg Appeal, enough eggs were donated for three full primary schools to offer every child an egg.

Meanwhile, over the last three seasons, the national firm on select matches at the Totally Wicked Stadium has offered their staff and local community clubs tickets in the East Stand of the stadium.

'A partner that shares the same values'

General manager of St Helens R.F.C. Dave Hutchinson said: "All at the club are thrilled to have Home Bargains continuing as our principal kit partner for the next three seasons, and we are extremely grateful for their support.

“Like the Saints’ family culture, we are very blessed to have a partner who shares the same values, and this has been clearly demonstrated by how they have embraced the Club away from the field of play with continuous help and support for the Saints Community Development Foundation, helping the club make a big difference to so many living within the area.

“To have Home Bargains by our side for a further three years is something St Helens R.F.C. is very proud to announce."

Retail & Technology Director at Home Bargains, Paul Rowland added: "Our partnership has been brilliant over the last three years, no more so than in the local community. Saints Community Development Foundation makes a huge difference and working together we’ve been able to do some great work.

“We are proud to be associated with an organisation that is humble, hardworking, and commits to developing people to be the best they can be both on the field and in the community that supports them."