Leinster Rugby and Castore have unveiled a new home jersey inspired by the province’s first trophy-winning side of the professional era.
The design marks the 25th anniversary of Leinster’s victory in the inaugural Celtic League in 2001, when the province defeated Munster at Lansdowne Road to secure its first senior trophy since the game turned professional.
The familiar white-and-blue hoops worn by that team have been reintroduced in a modern performance jersey, combining one of Leinster’s best-remembered designs with Castore’s contemporary kit technology.
The shirt will also carry particular significance as the first Leinster home jersey to be worn at the redeveloped Laya Arena, which will become the province’s primary home venue from the beginning of the new season.
Former Leinster captain Reggie Corrigan, who led the team to the Celtic League title in 2001, was joined at the launch by current head coach Leo Cullen, former Ireland captain Fiona Coughlan and current players Tommy O’Brien, Ruth Campbell and Linda Djougang.
Cullen provides a direct link between the two eras. He wore the original jersey as a player and has been involved in each of the 15 trophies subsequently won by the Leinster senior men’s team: ten league titles, four European Champions Cups and one European Challenge Cup.
“I love this new jersey,” said Corrigan. “It reminds me so much of good times of the past, but when you look at what Leinster teams have done since, it really promises more great times in the future.
“I think it is so suitable that this jersey will be the first one that is worn at Laya Arena, and I can’t wait to see how the current crop continue to build on what has gone before.”
The original 2001 success represented an important moment in Leinster’s development. It delivered the province’s first trophy of the professional era and helped establish the belief and ambition that would underpin its subsequent domestic and European success.
The launch also places the Leinster Rugby Women’s team prominently within the jersey campaign.
They will be the first Leinster side to wear the new kit in major competition when they face Munster at Virgin Media Park in the Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Championship on Saturday, August 8, with kick-off at 2.30 pm.
The jersey forms part of Leinster Rugby’s continuing partnership with Castore, while Life Style Sports will remain the principal retail destination for supporters. It will be available in Life Style Sports stores and online from the end of August.
The anniversary design provides Leinster with a strong heritage story at the beginning of a season that will also mark the opening of a new commercial and sporting era at Laya Arena.
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Image Credit: Leinster Rugby
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