Canterbury, the official kit partner to Irish Rugby, has revealed the new Ireland Rugby Heritage jersey, inspired by the classic jerseys of the past.
It is modeled above by Fiona Coghlan and Stephen Ferris who told us yesterday that he was keen to keep the one he wore for the photo shoot as his Dad would want it.
The Heritage jersey is available now via Intersport Elverys in-store and via Elverys.ie, and on Canterbury.com.
This is the third new Ireland jersey launched so far this year with the home jersey launched back in June and the alternate kit, the one that is providing for a controversial similarity to South Africa’s kit to be worn on Saturday, only last week.
The kit business is a substantial revenue stream for all sporting organisations and fans are always keen to be seen in the latest. The year before a World Cup Finals will always be tricky and it may be that the Heritage jersey is one that will bridge the gap by going full retro.
It does not work so well for sponsors though with no Vodafone logo on the front, as there is with the current and recent replica kits.
Ferris was not sure yesterday whether a final decision had been made for Saturday, where the dark blue and teal might clash too closely with South Africa’s dark green. He suggested that an alternative might be found but it was confirmed last night that the original plan would go ahead.
In reality, it may be something of a social media storm though with South Africa being the only other international team to play in green, the chance to wear the Irish alternate shirt is a rare enough one.
The two sides both wore dark jerseys in 2014 and 2017. Ireland wore white when they played their previous game in 2012.
South Africa have always worn white when Ireland have toured in the country, most recently for test matches in 2016.
