It’s almost a year since Cardiff Blues flanker Sam Warburton started his first game for Wales – now he’s hoping to add to his caps tally this autumn when Australia, South Africa, Fiji and New Zealand come to Cardiff.

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Thomas Cook has chosen Cardiff’s St David’s shopping centre as the location for a new-look store, which was officially opened on Friday by Wales and Cardiff Blues star Sam Warburton.

The new-look store which has relocated from Queen Street is one of the first in the company’s 800+ network to move away from the traditional blues of Thomas Cook to a more sleek silver and white palette to reflect its new location in Cardiff’s premium shopping centre.

As well as a new colour palette, the St David’s store features a waiting area equipped with fridges, stylish yellow, pink and blue seating and Sky TV to allow shoppers to browse through brochures in a relaxed environment.

As part of the opening celebrations, Sam Warburton appeared courtesy of Thomas Cook Sport’s Official Travel Partnership with the Welsh Rugby Union and chatted to fans, had his photo taken with a lucky few and signed everything from rugby balls and t-shirts to memorabilia.

Elsewhere, shoppers were treated to champagne, nibbles and several prize giveaways including free flights prize draw. More celebratory weekends are planned throughout October including Ski, Cruise and further Thomas Cook Sport in-store signings and a holiday giveaway.

Joanna Wild, Managing Director of Sales for Thomas Cook UK & Ireland, “We’re delighted to be opening a new-look store in Cardiff’s St David’s shopping centre and are looking forward to welcoming everyone from Welsh Rugby stars to local shoppers in-store to offer them a fresh and inviting environment to book their holiday in.”

To be part of the new-look store celebrations, take advantage of special deals or find out more about Thomas Cook Sport, visit Thomas Cook, St David’s Grand Arcade or call 0845 308 9192. Thomas Cook also has Cardiff stores located on 37 Queen Street and St David’s 1.