Rugby on the rails with Virgin Trains and Warrington Wolves

Warrington Bank Quay railway station was the venue today as Virgin Trains helped Warrington Wolves Rugby League team launch its quest to retain the Carnegie Challenge Cup for a second year.

Warrington Wolves enter the fourth round proper of the Cup on 18 April when they play Featherstone Rovers at home, with the aim of returning to Wembley to lift the cup for a second consecutive year at the final on 28 August.

Player Paul Wood, who is in his testimonial year, was at Bank Quay as he showed off the trophy from last year and met staff and passengers at the station.

Bringing the trophy to the station was the idea of Virgin Trains Station Team Leader Ken Wooding who said: “Many Warrington Wolves supporters travel to away matches by train, so it is really good that we are able to wish the team well in their quest to bring the Carnegie Challenge Cup back to Warrington for a second consecutive year. We know many of our own staff and our customers are keen followers of the team and it is great that Virgin Trains can give them the opportunity to see the trophy close-up. It also shows that as well as being a national train operator, Virgin Trains is also part of the local communities that it serves.”

Wire FM presenter Pete Pinnington got involved at the station and was also let loose in the station announcer’s office to let customers know what was happening. Following the event Pete said: “I really respect the professionalism of the staff who make the announcements at Bank Quay, it was much more difficult than when I present my radio programme. I must congratulate Ken and all the wonderful staff at Bank Quay for putting on such a brilliant event which also shows the community that Virgin Trains is an integral part of it”.

Warrington Wolves has also presented Virgin Trains with a signed ball, which will be raffled to raise funds for Virgin’s chosen charity CLIC Sargent. Tickets are available from the Booking Office at Bank Quay station.

Steven Broomhead, Chairman of Warrington Wolves said: "it’s a great opportunity for Warrington Wolves and Virgin Trains to support an important charity, CLIC Sargent. Warrington Wolves is a family-friendly club and is grateful to Virgin Trains in allowing the Carnegie Cup on to Bank Quay station where it has been seen by hundreds of rail passengers and their families."

Ends
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