England’s rugby teams will wear a new jersey this season that features a multicoloured stripe on the shirts and shorts.
The men’s and women’s kits for the 2024-25 campaign were unveiled by the Rugby Football Union on Friday morning, with the men’s ‘pro’ jersey retailing at £117 and a ‘replica’ version costing £80.
Manufactured by Umbro and modelled by Ben Curry, Max Malins and Maro Itoje in promotional shots at Twickenham, the former carries a small mark-up on last season’s version, which cost £115.
More striking, though, are the designs of the different shirts, with a long-sleeved ‘classic’ also available at £80. Each of them carry what has been termed a “multi-coloured stripe pattern” of light blue, red and white on a navy blue background.
England’s football team’s kit announcement sparked fury ahead of Euro 2024 over a multicoloured St George’s Cross on the back of the shirt collar, that was dubbed “virtue signalling, namby-pamby, pearl-clutching woke nonsense”.
An official press release heralded the rugby kit “a celebration of moving forward together, creating a vibrant and powerful on-pitch visual”.
“The kit incorporates a multicoloured forward slanted stripe pattern that symbolises England Rugby teams playing and progressing across the pitch, emphasises England Rugby’s DNA and strong team ethic that is central to the game,” continued the release.
As for the stripe extending down the shorts, this was described as an attempt to achieve “a bold, cohesive and streamlined appearance”.
The England women’s kit, modelled by Hollie Aitchison, Tatyana Heard and Abby Dow, will be aired in the WXV warm-up game against France on September 7 at Kingsholm.
Introducing the new Red Roses 2024/25 home kit 🌹
Hit the link below to shop the full range ⬇️
— Red Roses (@RedRosesRugby) August 23, 2024
In the past, vibrant designs have largely been restricted to alternate kits, with a burnt orange sevens edition, which became known as a ‘tequila sunrise’ effort, particularly memorable. For the World Cup in 2007, the home kit was divided by a wide red sash.
“We are particularly proud of the new home kit as it perfectly blends England Rugby’s DNA with Umbro’s sartorial approach to kit design,” said Duncan Thomson, Umbro’s head of pro sports.
“[It is] a perfect embodiment of both brands during Umbro’s all important centenary year.”
Claudia Borges, the RFU’s director of engagement and business growth, added that “this kit will be proudly worn by players and supporters alike.”
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