SPORTS shops in Worcester have been celebrating England's World Cup run more than most as sales of rugby shirts have gone through the roof.

The rush on replica strips, training tops and rugby balls kicked in about a week before the tournament began in Australia, in early October.

Now, after six victories and a commanding performance in last Saturday's semi-final against France, supporters have shown their true colours by snapping up England shirts.

"We have run out of a lot of sizes and the phone has been ringing off the hook with people trying to get hold of the strip," said Mark Kavanagh, assistant manager of Knowles Sports, in Broad Street.

"I don't think anywhere in Worcester is stocking the tight-fitting strip the team plays in, which costs about £75, but the traditional rugby shirts are selling really well."

And the story was the same across the city's sports stores.

"We've only got a couple of England shirts left at the moment," said Steve Bell, manager of JJB Sports, in the Shambles.

"They've sold well throughout the World Cup and as soon as they come in they go like hot cakes. It's hard to keep up with demand."

Stores are anticipating even greater demand if England beat the Australians tomorrow. JD Sports Ltd, also in the Shambles, only planned to stock rugby shirts during the tournament, but manager Simon McHugh is now looking to continue selling them for some weeks after.

"We don't normally have rugby shirts but we decided to sell replica England strips during the World Cup and they've been flying out," said Mr McHugh.

"We are preparing for a run on the shirts at the weekend and will continue to stock them after the tournament."