The new Nike-designed Springbok jersey has been unveiled, ahead of the start of the Castle Lager Rugby Championship.
The six-year partnership with Nike was announced in September, since when the design and development of the new jersey and accompanying lifestyle collection has been kept top-secret.
“The launch of a new jersey is always exciting, but the anticipation and expectancy around today has been building for months,” said Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby. “We are immensely proud of what Nike has provided and the feedback from the team has been great since they were kitted with the training gear recently. The new jersey honours the traditions of the Springboks in its design and construction, while adding subtle nuances to set it apart. We couldn’t be happier.”
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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. The phrase “Stronger Forever” is inscribed on the inside collar.
The 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”, said a SA Rugby statement. “Ventilation mesh panels in key areas of the kit also improve performance by increasing air circulation to the players’ bodies and regulating their temperatures.”
“We involved the senior team leadership group in the approval process, and they were immediately appreciative of what Nike were trying to achieve in design and construction,” said Oberholzer. “We are looking forward to seeing the jerseys in action over the coming weeks, including the alternate jersey, which will make its debut in Buenos Aires next month.”
South Africa’s other national teams will also appear in new Nike-designed apparel. The Springboks’ Rugby World Cup jersey following the same design will be unveiled next month.