British And Irish Lions Agree Canterbury Deal

British and Irish Lions has announced Canterbury as official kit supplier ahead of the team’s tour of New Zealand.

To commemorate the deal, Canterbury has created 1,959 limited edition commemorative jerseys, which are inspired by the 1959 British and Irish Lions jersey, the year that Canterbury first collaborated with the Lions.

Canterbury will have exclusive rights to manufacture and supply playing and training kit to the Lions and create a new range of fashion wear for the team.

John Feehan, chief executive of the British and Irish Lions, said: “We are delighted to be working with Canterbury as our new apparel partner. The Lions are defined as being the very best of the best on and off the field and it is fitting that we are entering in to a partnership with Canterbury who are considered to be the world leaders in rugby apparel. Our two brands have a strong historical link and we hope today marks the start of a long and enduring partnership.”

Canterbury CEO Chris Stephenson commented: “We’re extremely proud to be working with the British and Irish Lions and are committed to creating the best shirt the Lions have ever worn. This deal brings the best of the best together and cements our place as the leading brand in rugby expanding our commitment from the grassroots of the game to the pinnacle of world rugby”.

Canterbury supplied apparel to four of the nations who competed in the Rugby World Cup 2015 – England, Ireland, Japan and Namibia – as well as all match officials for the tournament.