Irish Rugby has a new look for the year ahead. Canterbury, the official kit partner of Irish Rugby, and Intersport Elverys, the official sports retail partner, have this week launched the 2025/26 collection that will be worn by both the men’s and women’s teams.
The new range, titled “The Landscape of Legends”, blends performance technology with heritage design.
The Home jersey is finished in Cadmium Green, designed to reflect the richness of the Irish landscape. A Pre-Game shirt draws on the depth of Ireland’s night skies, further anchoring the campaign’s storytelling theme.
For the players, the kit is just as much about performance as it is about appearance.
Ireland and Lions prop Andrew Porter praised the balance Canterbury has struck.
“Canterbury really made a lot of noise last year with their hugely popular jerseys, especially the 150th edition,” he said.
“Seeing another jersey this year that celebrates the island of Ireland is fantastic. As always with Canterbury, there’s never any doubt the jersey performs at the highest level, so for it to also look this good is a massive bonus. It’s that rare mix of style and function done perfectly.”
The Business of Jersey Design
Replica jersey sales are now one of the most visible commercial levers in Irish Rugby’s portfolio.
The 2023 Rugby World Cup saw record retail demand, with Elverys reporting unprecedented sales both online and in-store. The new Canterbury launch aims to maintain that momentum, tapping into both nostalgia (with the collar design) and fresh storytelling.
Simon Rowe, SVP of Canterbury of New Zealand, highlighted the importance of consistency.
“Following the success of last year’s jerseys, especially the 150th-anniversary kit, we wanted to carry that sense of tradition forward while ensuring the players have something that performs at the highest level.”
“We saw a great reception to the collar, so we have brought that into this year’s home kit. With both the men’s and women’s teams playing some of their best rugby, it only feels fitting to provide them with a jersey that matches those standards, and we can’t wait to see them wear it on the pitch.”
“Building on the incredible momentum of the Green Wave campaign during the Rugby World Cup, we’re proud to unveil the 2025/26 Irish Rugby jersey as the Official Sports Retail Partner of Irish Rugby,” added Philip Staunton, Buying Director at Elvery’s.
Brand Value and Sponsorship
Irish Rugby’s commercial strategy continues to leverage jersey launches as a main pillar. Each new kit provides activation opportunities not only for Canterbury and Elverys but also for the IRFU’s wider partner family, from Vodafone to Guinness.
High-profile unveilings connect with fans emotionally, and — crucially — convert visibility into retail revenue and sponsor return on investment.
, positioned the launch firmly in this wider context:
“We are really looking forward to seeing our men’s and women’s teams wearing the jersey with pride, firstly in ‘The Rematch’ against New Zealand in Soldier Field, Chicago,” said Padraig Power, IRFU Chief Commercial Officer.
“Then we are into an action-packed Quilter Nations Series this November – and then into the Guinness Men’s and Women’s Six Nations.
“Canterbury is an industry-leading brand which consistently produces top-quality clothing and kit and we are confident that Irish supporters around the world will wear the new kit with pride.”
By the Numbers: The Business of Irish Rugby Jerseys
€30 million — estimated global replica jersey sales for Ireland during the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
+45% — year-on-year increase in online sales for Elverys during Ireland’s “Green Wave” campaign.
150th Anniversary Jersey — sold out online within 48 hours of launch in 2024.
400 million — estimated global TV audience for Ireland’s 2023 Rugby World Cup pool matches, ensuring massive exposure for kit sponsors.
1 Hour – How long it took to sell out of the unique fleece that formed part of a viral social campaign featuring Anna McGann and Eve Higgins.
Nationwide reach — over 50 Elverys stores across Ireland stocking the new Canterbury collection, supported by a global e-commerce push.
Image Credit Canterbury and Irish Rugby, Inpho.ie
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