Springboks wave the white flag in Rugby World Cup kit row

Having received waves of public criticism for their second kit, the Springboks have opted to don their third kit for the clash with Ireland.

Ireland’s mint green jerseys would be unlikely to be mistaken for the dark green on the Springboks on the field but World Rugby has television viewers and those around the stadium in mind.

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The third kit is a plain white jersey and ‘hyper-jade’ shorts and socks.

SA RUGBY MOVE TO EXPLAIN SPRINGBOK KITS

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In a press release issued this week SA Rugby sought to put the record straight regarding to kits in use at the Rugby World Cup.

“The Springbok primary jersey of green and gold is always worn as the first choice whenever permitted,” the statement read.

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“On those occasions where a jersey clash must be avoided, the Springboks may be required to wear an alternate jersey.

“New colour blindness guidelines are in operation at the Rugby World Cup, which have increased the number of occasions on which one of the competing teams is required to wear an alternative jersey.

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“South Africa was required to change for Scotland and will do so for the match against Ireland on 23 September.

“South Africa’s first alternate is hyper-jade and white; the second alternate is white with a hyper-jade collar. Replicas of the primary (green) and alternate (hyper-jade) have been produced for sale.

“The second alternate (all white) will be worn against Ireland as the hyper-jade is too like Ireland’s green jersey.”

What will happen in the knockouts

SA Rugby explained the position going forward.

“Should the Springboks progress to the knockout stages of the competition, and if they are drawn as Team B against a team with a clashing colour the team will wear the hyper-jade alternate as the first option,” SA Rugby added.

“Jerseys are designed by sports team apparel manufacturers and ultimately approved by the relevant federation.

“All the Nike jerseys provided to SA Rugby were presented to and received the seal of approval from a senior Springbok leadership group as well as SA Rugby management.

“The design of the hyper jade jersey was influenced by Ndebele design traditions and its colour – in addition to traditional white – was inspired by the colours of the flora and landscape of South Africa.”