Heinz Big Soup launch rugby league themed can

Super League sponsors Heinz BIG Soup have launched a rugby league themed can in celebration of Wigan full-back Sam Tomkins being crowned Man of Steel.

They have commissioned 2,012 limited edition of cans of "Beef, Tomkins & Onion", which will be priced at £1 per can, with all proceeds from the sale of the cans donated to Joining Jack.

Each limited edition can is individually numbered and features an image of the rugby league star from the 2012 Super League season. Can number one has already been purchased and signed by Tomkins himself as a present to Jack Johnson – the child who inspired the creation of the Joining Jack charity after he was diagnosed with the currently untreatable muscle-wasting disease, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

The cans are exclusively available at the Asda Supercentre on Soho Street in Wigan.

Tomkins said: "I met a die-hard Warriors fan last year who told me she’d named her pet dog after me - which I thought was pretty cool - but I never thought I’d ever have my own flavour of soup. Despite the agony of Wigan being knocked out in the play-offs, I’ve been very pleased with the team’s performance this year, so for Heinz BIG Soup to have commemorated my achievements in this way is really special. 

"But as flattering as this gesture is, all this has a serious side. Each can of ‘Beef, Tomkins & Onion’ sold raises vital funds for research into Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. So please make the effort and visit Asda Wigan and buy a can to support this worthy charity."

England international Tomkins was crowned Man of Steel last week, an award voted for by his fellow players.

Chris Nunn, Senior Brand Manager for Heinz BIG Soup, added: “As proud supporters of Super League, Heinz BIG Soup wanted to commemorate Sam’s special achievement this season by commissioning a limited edition can. It’s a win-win idea. Beef, Tomkins & Onion is packed with all the tasty chunks and flavours that you’d expect from a can of Heinz BIG Soup with the added bonus that it supports a very worthy charity close to Sam’s heart.  

"We hope the can proves to be popular with Asda Wigan shoppers and flies off the shelves."