The Woolworths name is heading to the Rugby World Cup, almost 18 years after the much-loved retailer disappeared from British high streets.
For millions of Brits, Woolworths brings back memories of pick 'n' mix, bargain CDs, Christmas shopping and spending pocket money on a Saturday afternoon.
The chain sadly closed its final UK stores in January 2009, leaving a huge hole in town centres across the country.
Now, the famous name is back in the sporting headlines after World Rugby confirmed a major new partnership.
But before anyone starts dreaming of pick 'n' mix at Twickenham, there's a catch.
Woolworths signs Rugby World Cup deal
Australian supermarket giant Woolworths has been named the Official Supermarket Supporter of the men's 2027 Rugby World Cup and women's 2029 tournament.
Both competitions will take place in Australia, with the men's event expanding to 24 teams for the first time.
The retailer operates more than 1,000 supermarkets across Australia, with another 180-plus stores in New Zealand.
It's a household name Down Under, but it's not the Woolworths British shoppers grew up with.
So, is there a connection?
Here's where things get interesting.
The Australian Woolworths was founded in Sydney in 1924, taking inspiration from the famous American retail chain that had already established itself in Britain.
According to the Woolworths Museum, the Australian founders adopted the familiar name despite having no business connection to the original company.
The decision eventually led to legal disputes, but the Australian business continued to grow.
While Britain's Woolworths disappeared from the high street in 2009, its Australian namesake became one of the country's biggest retailers.
More than a century after borrowing the name, it's now preparing to play a part in rugby's biggest tournament.
Sadly for nostalgic British fans, there's still no sign of the original Woolies making a comeback.











