All three of Wales’s group stage games later this month will take place in the Hays North West catchment – the first versus the Cook Islands in Leigh, the second versus Tonga in St Helens and the third versus Papua New Guinea in Doncaster.

“We’re thrilled to be involved in a major sporting event with a global audience and one that fits particularly well for us with our strong presence in locally," said Hays North West managing director Don Bircham.

“There’s a massive following for rugby league here and Wales has a historic bond with the game with so many of its greats having come north. Many rugby league fans will know our brand as we have a strong presence in the north west, including at St Helens so this sponsorship is a perfect fit for us."

Bircham founded his travel agency business in the town of Mold back in 2000 and is now Hays Travel’s largest franchise partner.

Brian Julliff, chair of Wales Rugby League, added: “We’re thrilled to welcome such a recognised name as Hays Travel as a partner for our men’s team during Rugby League World Cup.

"With two of our three group fixtures in the north west, Hays Travel are perfectly placed to benefit from the brand exposure locally during the tournament."

The Hays logo made its debut on Wales’s shirts in a warm-up game against Lebanon at the weekend.