Tesco had given the team �8 of sausages a week

Tesco had been providing the young players, who are all under 11, with �8 of sausages for hot dogs and bangers and mash after their matches at Gowerton, near Swansea.

But the retail giant suspended the deal after its local store was targeted by vandals.

The rugby team has strongly criticised the decision, saying its players had nothing to do with the vandalism.

Village councillor Ron Thomas said there had been a lot of problems outside the store but the vandalism had not been carried out by members of the junior teams.

"What they (Tesco) should be doing is encouraging these youngsters and not discouraging them," he said.

"Really what they're doing is counterproductive," he added.

Tesco has been sponsoring the under nine and eleven teams as part of its efforts to help youth organisations near its stores.

It's a shame Ron Thomas

But in recent months there have been reports of problems of vandalism affecting the Gowerton store.

Parents said the young players had looked forward to hot dogs or bangers and mash following their matches.

But Tesco has defended its decision to end the sausage sponsorship deal.

"Tesco is committed to supporting youth in the local community," said a spokesman.

"The supply of refreshments is currently on hold while we deal with store vandalism and the abuse of our staff.

"We do hope that this issue will be resolved soon."

Mr Thomas agreed vandalism was a problem outside the store but he said it was a shame that it was affecting the teams.

"On Friday night - eight until two in the morning- outside the store is absolutely saturated with youngsters.

"They drink and there's certainly a lot of anti-social behaviour.

"But as a consequence the young kids aren't getting their bangers from Tesco.

"It's a shame," he said.