• Boks unveil new ‘unstoppable’ jersey

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    The design of the Springboks’ new-look jersey for 2019 drew inspiration from the 1995 World Cup-winning team. 

    Designed and manufactured by SA Rugby’s official apparel and footwear sponsor Asics, the Boks’ new jersey was unveiled on Thursday, while it will go on sale in South Africa on Friday.

    ‘It’s a momentous year as the Springboks aim to win our third World Cup in Japan,’ SA Rugby CEO Jurie Roux commented.

    ‘Every little detail counts and that includes all the focus and effort put in by Asics into making this the most advanced jersey for the Boks to wear in Japan and support them in their quest to reach their goal.’ 

    Asics and the Springboks tested more than 10 versions of the jersey with 30 different fabrics at their laboratories in Japan.

    Players were also interviewed about their requirements to give them the necessary advantages on the field, and the message was clear – they don’t want to be restricted by anything and want to feel ‘unstoppable’.

     ‘I don’t want to be restricted by anything when playing,’ said Springbok Test centurion Tendai Mtawarira.

    ‘The jersey is the perfect balance between fast and strong – and it’s challenging to reach that. Asics have produced a jersey that not only meets, but surpasses expectations of what we wear on the pitch.’

    Based on this feedback and in-game analysis, Asics was motivated to create an ‘unstoppable’ jersey, devoid of any loose fitting areas or unnecessary tightness. 

    Key features of the new Springbok jersey:

    ·       Durable iconic collar

    ·       Fabric lighter and thinner

    ·       Grip print for ball catching and carrying

    ·       Stretch material to provide anti-grab and easy escape features

    ·       Stretch side panel and under arm gusset strategically placed for mobility of the arms

    ·       Side seam for strong binding

    ·       Special pattern for players based on 3D measurement and fitting

    The Springboks’ home jersey has a more traditional olive green and orange gold look, drawing inspiration from the 1995 Rugby World Cup winning team. 

    Furthermore, as with the World Cup tournaments in 2011 and 2015, and in line with World Rugby’s commercial requirements for playing apparel, the Springbok emblem will again move to the left sleeve of the jersey, with the South African national emblem, the King Protea, the jersey manufacturer’s mark (ASICS) and the World Cup emblem on the front.  

    The Springboks start their 2019 Rugby World Cup campaign against New Zealand on 21 September 2019.

     The all-new Springbok jersey will be available in sport stores in South Africa from Friday, 26 April 2019 and worldwide in June 2019. The RRP of the new jersey is R750 (ex VAT) and it can be ordered from the SA Rugby Shop by clicking here.

    Photo: Supplied

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    SA Rugby magazine