Lexus Bradford has announced a deal with Bradford Bulls and Great Britain's Sam Burgess - the car dealership's first personal sporting sponsorship.

The North Brook Street dealership has already sponsored several community sporting events including local boxing events and the Old Brodleians Rugby Club in Halifax. But Sam's sponsorship represents a change of tack for the Lexus centre.

Lexus Bradford centre manager Paul Fagan said,

"We wanted a sponsorship which would send a clear message about our commitment to the local community. And Sam fits the bill. He's a Yorkshire lad who is already making the world of Rugby sit up and take notice. He's just the kind of sporting role model Bradford youngsters can aspire to.

"We know its early days for Sam but it would be nice to think that, in a small way, our support will help him to continue his spectacular form for Bulls and Great Britain. We'll be watching his progress with pride."

19-year-old Sam has already had a tremendous two years at the Bulls and is already an International. His rise has been meteoric and he is an automatic choice for the Bulls, either at prop or in the back row.

In more than 40 appearances for the Bulls to date, his strong running and fierce tackling are well known and he is already being talked about as one of the best players in the game.

After a highly successful debut season with the Bulls in 2006, Sam was awarded the Senior Academy Player of the Year Award by the club. In 2007 Sam has established himself as a first team regular.

After a great full season he was called up for the Great Britain Train on Squad for the 2007 test series with New Zealand, and was named as young player of the year in Super League. Sam also played in the centenary match between the All Golds and Northern Union; he was awarded the Man of the match. Burgess made his Great Britain debut against New Zealand in the 1st test in October 2007, scoring a try.

The agreement with Lexus will see Sam exclusively driving Lexus cars and attending Lexus events over the coming months.

Sam Burgess said,

"This is a wonderful deal for a young player like me. Rugby League clubs live and die by the level of support they receive from the local community - whether it's from die hard fans or local businesses like Lexus. I can't wait to get behind the wheel and to meeting more Lexus drivers at future events."

One of those events will be the opening of the new £1.85 million Lexus Bradford centre on Station Road in Bradford. The new larger Lexus centre will replace the current Lexus centre when it opens on August 2008 employing more than 20 people.