Persimmon Homes South West will sponsor Sidmouth RFC for the next three years.

The firm will specifically support the club's junior section.

As part of the sponsorship, new post protectors and touchline flags have also been purchased for the senior teams.

These were funded through Persimmon's Community Champions initiative.

The club was founded in 1884 and has a rich history in the community, being one of the first clubs in Devon to introduce junior rugby in 1971.

It has teams for boys, girls, and senior players.

Persimmon South West, the five-star housebuilder, has several housing developments in the region, particularly in East Devon, and is known for supporting local communities through sponsorship and charitable contributions.

Dan Heathcote, managing director at Persimmon South West, said: "We are delighted to sponsor Sidmouth RFC and deepen our connection with such an outstanding local club.

"Sidmouth RFC is a cornerstone of the local community, providing fantastic opportunities for young players to develop their skills and passion for the sport.

"Supporting this aligns perfectly with the goals of the business and our Community Champions initiative, and we are proud to be a part of the club’s journey for the next three years.

"With our continued presence across East Devon, we are excited to strengthen our connection with Sidmouth and look forward to seeing the positive impact of this partnership."

The sponsorship has been warmly welcomed by the club, with Stuart Nairne-Clark, Sidmouth RFC’s director of sponsorships and corporate partnerships, saying: "We’re delighted to have Persimmon Homes South West on board as a key sponsor for the club and our junior section.

"Their support, including the provision of essential equipment, ensures we can continue to nurture young talent and provide a top-class rugby environment for our players across the club.

"The next three years are important for the club, and with partners like Persimmon South West, we are confident we can achieve our ambitions for growth and development, both on and off the field."

The sponsorship is part of Persimmon South West’s Community Champions initiative, which donates £24,000 annually to good causes and organisations in the areas in which it operates.