A Yorkshire-based family-run care company is lending its support to an ‘invincible’ rugby league team.

Constantia Healthcare Group has become a Gold sponsor of Newsome Panthers, now in their first season in the Yorkshire Men’s Rugby League Premier Division.

This follows an amazing season in 2022 which saw the Huddersfield team winning all five competitions they entered and going through the entire season unbeaten, meaning they were dubbed ‘the invincibles.’ The Panthers have moved up two divisions to play in the Premier Division this year.

As one of only three Gold sponsors, Constantia Healthcare Group, which has its head office in Beverley and operates five care homes, has its logo displayed on hoardings at pitch-side, on the rugby goalposts, corner flags and the match and training kits.

The company is also sponsoring two players, winger Alfie Reed and full-back/kicker Fin Balback. Fin was the leading point scorer for the Panthers in 2022.

Constantia Healthcare Group chief operating officer Emily Whitehurst said: “We’re pleased to be able to offer support to such a vibrant and highly successful club. 

“We are a Yorkshire based provider supporting people with age related needs, physical disabilities and complex care. To be able to support a local team is fantastic and something we are thrilled to be doing. 

“Alfie and Fin are a credit to the team and to the sport. I had the opportunity to watch the pair play in a recent game and it was action from start to finish with a successful win at the end.

“Just as importantly, Newsome Panthers do some tremendous work in the community, including visiting care homes at Christmas, and this fits perfectly with our own ethos and values, which involves putting our residents at the heart of everything we do.

“The Panthers are a great team and we would like to wish them the best of luck in the new season.”

Richie Hawkyard, Newsome Panthers player-coach, said: “We are delighted to have Constantia Healthcare Group on board as one of our main sponsors for the new season.

“Grassroots clubs like ours are largely dependent on the generosity of the local business community and so the sponsorship will make a big difference and hopefully we can repay the generosity with results on the pitch.”

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