Medicash and Vikings go into battle side by side

Leading healthcare cash plan provider Medicash has been announced as a new partner of Widnes Vikings RLFC. The sponsorship deal will see the Medicash brand on the kits for the 2011 season.

Next year's away shirt was officially launched on Tuesday night at James Edwards Land Rover in Chester.

Dave Allen, Sue Weir and Steve O'Connor with the new 2011 Away Kit

Medicash chief executive Sue Weir said: "We are delighted to become a partner of Widnes Vikings and are looking forward to what will hopefully be a successful season. We will be working with other associated partners to develop the Vikings Business Club and improve and strengthen Vikings' links with local companies and community groups."

Liverpool based Medicash are also the official 2011 headline sponsor of St Helens RLFC (Saints) having increased their level of commitment with the club from 2010's sponsorship deal.

Widnes Vikings chief executive Julie Gaskell said: "We are very excited to have Medicash on board for the 2011 campaign. Sponsors' support is crucial to ensure we can grow as a club and achieve our goal of playing in the Super League."

Widnes Vikings' stadium, the Stobart Stadium Halton, will be used next year by Saints for their home games whilst their new stadium is being built.

Medicash has enjoyed a string of new business wins over the last year. It is expected the increased exposure on the back of both the Saints and Widnes Vikings deals will impact positively on take up of cash plans amongst corporates and individuals across the North West.