RFU And Canterbury Unveil England Kit

Canterbury and the Rugby Football Union have unveiled the new England Rugby home and change kits, which will be worn by England’s men’s and women’s teams in both XVs and Sevens international programmes this season. 

Revealed at Drybrook RFC in Gloucestershire, the new kit marks the beginning of a four-year partnership with the RFU. 

England head coach Stuart Lancaster requested that Canterbury’s inaugural England collection include an exclusive piece for England senior elite players to represent the pride that comes from representing their country. To this end, the iconic purple presentation jacket, which was worn by England players during the 70s, 80s and early 90s, has returned. 

Canterbury’s partnership with the RFU also includes new home and change kits for the England Sevens team, with a reworking of the red rose emblem to allude to the traditions of England Rugby dating back to 1871, whilst also looking ahead to the growing popularity and bright future of the shortened game. 

The shirt, said a statement from the RFU, ‘represents the dreams not just of those who wear it but the millions who support England. This is reflected on the inside of the sleeve of the seniors, women’s and Sevens shirts with the slogan ENGLANDCONNECTED, acting as a reminder of the rugby family.’

To mark the unveiling of the new kit, and its partnership with the RFU, Canterbury has also launched its ‘England Is All’ campaign, which celebrates the unity of England players, coaches, volunteers, the rugby family and fans. The campaign features a series of iconic images by world renowned English photographer David Bailey. 

Canterbury chief executive officer Chris Stephenson said: ‘Canterbury as a brand is synonymous with the sport of rugby, and we are proud to partner with the RFU and the birthplace of the game. This is a kit which fuses a traditional aesthetic with a construction made for the rigours of the game in the 21st century, and we’re confident that fans and players alike will be delighted with the results.’

Sophie Goldschmidt, chief commercial officer of the RFU, added: ‘We want to put clubs at the heart of the game, which is why for the first time we are launching the new kit at a grassroots rugby club. Drybrook was selected by demonstrating what rugby means to their community. The England jersey is a huge source of passion and pride for our players. The new designs look fantastic and bring to life the heritage and tradition that both brands share.’

The kit will be available in the ‘Test’ edition, built to the exact specifications of elite squad players, ‘Pro’ replica jerseys, the ‘Classic’ design, for those who prefer the simplicity of a traditional, collared rugby shirt, and a jersey fitted specifically for women.