Is this the jersey that will carry Ireland to World Cup glory in October?
The unveiling of the official Canterbury Ireland Rugby World Cup kits took place yesterday in front of an exclusive fan event in Galway and through the medium of graffiti street art in Dublin.
The shirt is being promoted as the most innovative and technically advanced rugby jersey ever worn by an Irish team. Available in traditional green and a black and green alternate version, the new jersey will be worn for the first time in the Millennium Stadium on August 8th when Ireland take on Wales in the first of their Guinness Summer Series matches.
On the pitch, players will benefit from a range of innovations, including reduced weight, minimising moisture absorption and position-specific 3D body-mapping which has delivered a super enhanced fit catering for ‘the varied physiques of the modern rugby player.’
This element of the tight fit will be relaxed, thankfully, for most of the replica fan jerseys to be sold though all will have another innovation with the crest being 3D injection moulded, and standing out in a way not seen before.
Supporters can choose from a range of jersey options including the “Pro” jersey which retains the look of the jersey that will be worn by the team, while offering a more comfortable fit as well as a “Classic” jersey that offers a contemporary design on the classic collared rugby jersey.
They are on sale now through online and selected stores. It is likely just a quirk of currency conversion that will be ironed out but as of early this morning the Irish shirt was retailing for €87.50 as opposed to €84 for the broadly similar in technical terms England shirt. Then again, maybe the Irish shirt is more valuable…
Canterbury has also produced a limited edition RWC “Commemorative” jersey designed for those looking to own a piece of Rugby World Cup history. Only 2,015 of these memorabilia pieces have been produced and are on sale at a cost of €150.
The jersey launch signifies the start of Canterbury’s #CommittedToIreland campaign which brings to life the brands commitment to Irish rugby.
“Every thread and fabric in the new Irish RWC jersey has been single mindedly designed to meet the specific needs of the Irish rugby team, without compromise or distraction,” said Canterbury CEO Chris Stephenson.
“Our role as official kit supplier to the IRFU is to provide the team with the most technically advanced on pitch equipment and fans with a stylish range of replica wear ensuring that both players and fans alike are prepared for the biggest rugby tournament in the world.”
“Canterbury are synonymous with quality when it comes to rugby,” added IRFU Director of Commercial & Marketing Padraig Power.
“The new Rugby World Cup jersey shows their commitment to the traditions of the game and to advancing our kit to a new level.”
“We know that this jersey will be popular with players and supporters alike. There will be a sea of green at every Ireland match in the Rugby World Cup thanks to the commitment of our supporters and our sponsors as they stand shoulder to shoulder with the team”.
There is no sponsor branding on the official Rugby World Cup jerseys, meaning that Three will have to work harder to get across their brand association as the official sponsors. It does though provide a potential ‘clean space’ for what we revealed yesterday is likely to be the new sponsorship deal with Vodafone from 2016.
