Specsavers Llanelli is sponsoring a rising rugby league talent as he prepares to represent Wales at the European Rugby League under-19s Championship in France.
Ioan Herbert, a 16-year-old winger from Gowerton who plays club rugby for Bridgend Blue Bulls, has a long-standing relationship with Specsavers after the Porthcawl store first sponsored him ahead of his Wales under-16s debut last year.
Following a successful season for club and country, Specsavers Llanelli and five other stores across South Wales have come together to donate £1,200, helping to cover travel, kit and equipment for the European Championship.
The European Championship will take place in France from 10 to 19 July, with Wales taking on Serbia, England and Scotland as they compete against the continent’s top 10 under-19 rugby league nations.
Herbert has already made his mark on the international stage. Last year, he scored half of Wales’ tries in their opening 38-12 victory over Ireland during the Youth Four Nations.
He also scored the opening try in a historic 18-0 victory over England; the first time Wales had kept England scoreless in a competitive rugby league fixture.
Herbert explains: ‘This year I trialled for Wales’ under-17s team but was picked up by the under-19s coach who asked me to join the squad for the tournament in France.
‘It’s a real privilege to play for Wales and I’m really grateful to Specsavers for giving me the opportunity to represent my country in the sport I love. It means so much and I hope to do them proud in the tournament.’
Specsavers Llanelli’s optician director, Aled Williams, comments: ‘We’re delighted to be supporting Ioan as he represents Wales in the European Championship. His dedication, talent and achievements over the past year have been fantastic to see and we’re proud to play a small part in helping him compete on the international stage.
‘As a locally owned and run business, we’re passionate about supporting young people in our communities to achieve their ambitions. Everyone at Specsavers Llanelli wishes Ioan the very best of luck in France and we’ll be cheering him on throughout the tournament.’
To find out more about Specsavers Llanelli, request an appointment or browse the online store, visit https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/llanelli.
Specsavers also provides a Home Visits service for customers unable to visit stores due to disability or illness.
