The British and Irish Lions have unveiled their playing kit for the 2021 tour to South Africa which is set to feature three tests against the Springboks.
The Lions have undertaken, in partnership with kit sponsor Canterbury, to create the most sustainable jersey in the rich history of the team. The main body of the jersey is made from 100% recycled polyester.
British and Irish Lions reveal jersey
Lions jerseys have for a long time been predominantly red with smatterings of white and that tradition continues.
The jersey does feature something a little bit new in the form of the image of a lion worked into the design of the kit.
Lions coach Warren Gatland gave his approval of the design as the kit was launched on Wednesday 28 October.
“The jersey looks awesome and I think Lions supporters, as well as the players, are going to love it too. Canterbury, as we have become accustomed to, have done a great job yet again.
“Some of the best experiences I’ve had as a Lions coach have been looking out across a stadium ahead of a match and seeing a ‘Sea of Red’ Lions jerseys. Literally entire stands turned red; it’s an incredible thing to witness and creates an atmosphere that is truly unique to the Lions.”
Canterbury also launched the largest-ever range of Lions’ training and off-field supporter wear, with a total of 112 items available in their catalogue. The expanded range of merchandise includes three times as many women’s products than previously and also the biggest-ever junior range.
Simon Rowe, global head of sports marketing, at Canterbury, added: “Becoming a Lion takes hard work and dedication and is the pinnacle of a player’s rugby career. In designing this jersey, we looked deeper into what it takes to reach that elite level and what becomes clear is that they didn’t get to the top on their own.
“Throughout their journey they have had the support of many mentors and advocates – from the parents and family who ferried them around as children to the coaches who harnessed and finessed their games – and we wanted to celebrate those often-unsung heroes. Our Origin Lion graphic is our tribute to them.”
The Lions visit South Africa for the 14th tour of the country since their first visit back in 1891 a tour that saw the team that would become the Springboks play their first-ever Test match.
In 46 Tests between the two sides there have been 23 Springbok victories and 17 for the Lions with six matches ending in a draw.
On the 2021 tour the Lions will take on the Springboks in three tests with the first scheduled to take place at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on 24 July 2021, a weak later the teams will clash at sea level in the Cape Town Stadium before returning to the Highveld to wrap up the series at Ellis Park.
