The English Rugby Football Union has confirmed that Umbro is to replace Canterbury as its Official Technical Kit Partner from 1 September 2020.
Umbro will provide the team’s match kit, training wear and off-field kit as well as offering fans a full range of supporter wear including men’s, women’s and children’s ranges from that date.
There was a measure of frustration from fans yesterday as the England kit produced by Canterbury had enjoyed record sales in last year’s run to the Rugby World Cup Final in Japan.
Money talks though and the new deal is believed to be a step up on the reported €5.5 million per year that the deal with Canterbury was worth.
The brand had been with England since the Six Nations tournament of 2013 and through two Rugby World Cups.
Ireland is now the only tier-one Rugby Nation wearing Canterbury, alongside Georgia and Canada.
The image above is believed to be what the new kit will look like having been inadvertently shared on social media by two of the players.
Umbro has a heritage in rugby union; having previously supported England, Scotland and Wales, and produced the shirt for the only British & Irish Lions team to win a series in New Zealand, in 1971.
“The partnership between Umbro and England Rugby from September is a seminal chapter in our history,” said the company managing director Anthony Little.
“The first time the England rugby team runs out onto the pitch, wearing the double-diamond logo, will be a proud moment for us, as an English brand.”
“Modern rugby is demanding but our approach at Umbro has always been to make sure our kits are fit for purpose and we have been working tirelessly to ensure that we meet those demands and deliver a kit that will perform for England Rugby.”
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