Springboks reveal Rugby World Cup kit and fans love it

The Rugby World Cup kicks off in Paris on Friday, 8 September, and the Springboks have now unveiled the official jersey they’ll don at the global showpiece.

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THE WAIT IS FINALLY OVER FOR SPRINGBOK FANS

The 10-month long wait to reveal the new Nike-designed Springbok jersey finally ended on Tuesday when the Springboks’ World Cup jersey was revealed during the squad announcement.

The six-year partnership between the Springboks and Nike was announced in September, and while the design and development of the new jersey and accompanying lifestyle collection had been launched ahead of the Rugby Championship, it wasn’t the RWC jersey.

The wait ended on Tuesday when SA Rugby revealed the Springboks’ primary playing kit that provides the team with the latest in innovation and design while heeding the team’s wishes to respect the traditions of the green and gold.

The altered jersey for the Rugby World Cup, sees the addition of the tournament’s logo to the chest area in place of the Springbok emblem, which moves to the sleeve.

Then there’s also the removal of the MTN logo from the front of the jersey as World Rugby insists that there can only be three logos on the front of the jersey: the World Cup logo, the apparel sponsor’s logo and the team logo.

Elite players require a kit that provides comfort, durability, and support; these insights informed the design and craft of the new Springboks kit.

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SPRINGBOKS’ RUGBY WORLD CUP PRIMARY KIT

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THE STORY BEHIND THE BEAUTIFUL JERSEY DESIGNS

The jersey was engineered to serve the needs of the athlete and what the Springboks will experience on the field is a jersey that keeps them dry and cool, provides reinforcement and mobility allowing them to move with less friction. 

The Nike designers worked closely with the team to design a kit that reflects the history of the team and South African culture.

The classic ‘green and gold’ jersey has been reimagined to include a traditional collar with the underside of the collar giving a nod to the South African flag. As an acknowledgment of the team’s spirit, the phrase “Stronger Forever” is inscribed on the inside collar.

The bold new alternative jersey pays homage to the local cultural through the patterned print and the colourway was inspired by and celebrates the hues of the local nature.

Ventilation mesh panels in key areas of the kit also improve performance by increasing air circulation to the players’ bodies and regulating their temperatures.

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