WARRINGTON Wolves forward Joe Philbin has celebrated the first birthday of his sports clothing business by launching a new range of gymwear.

The 26-year-old academy graduate and business partner Jack Hodgkiss designed their Gripz sports socks during the first coronavirus lockdown before launching the product in summer 2020.

Since then, they have been worn by top stars such as Liverpool footballer Andy Robertson and Hundred cricketers as well as during Soccer Aid and world title boxing fights.

Warrington Guardian:

Olly Murs wearing Gripz socks during Soccer Aid

Now the pair have expanded their brand and moved into activewear, with their new range going on sale this weekend after months of work and huge demand from customers.

Wire prop Joe said: “After a successful first year in business, we have expanded our brand as our customer demographic were desperate for us to drop an active clothing line.

“This fits our target demographic perfectly, and is also on brand as our garments Gripz the body in the best possible way.”

Warrington Guardian:

Wolves hooker Danny Walker in Gripz gymwear

Jack added: “We have been overwhelmed with the support from our first year.

“When we first launched, we noticed that it was family and friends from Warrington and surrounding areas that were purchasing the socks to support us.

“Within weeks, we were seeing the geographics of our sales all over the country and even into Europe and the USA.

“It’s been surreal seeing our socks on the telly most days across all the sports, but I still get most giddy when I drive past a stranger who is on a jog in our socks or somebody in the gym in them.”