Black to white as All Blacks recognise past
The All Blacks have returned to a white collar on their new test jersey, unveiled in Tokyo yesterday.
Adidas and New Zealand Rugby say it is their most cutting-edge jersey to date.
The change back to a white collar, used last in 2014, was a nod to the All Blacks’ past, said the All Blacks.
Designed and manufactured over 18 months, a group of senior All Blacks gave input into the design and performance of the jersey, including captain Kieran Read, Beauden Barrett, Samuel Whitelock and Sonny Bill Williams
James Foster, VP adidas Specialist Sports said the key element of the design was the use of seamless, woven technology – an industry first for a rugby jersey. As well, the jersey construction was fully automated which aimed to provide unparalleled fit, strength and speed and was 25 per cent lighter than previous designs.
"There's no doubt that the topic on everyone's mind will be the return of the white collar.
‘‘We worked very closely with the players and New Zealand Rugby to reintroduce a well-respected and traditional element of the jersey. We're really happy with it and hope All Blacks supporters are too.
"We continue to strive for a fit that mirrors a ‘second skin', suitable for all athletes across the field. We have undergone rigorous fit and performance testing with key athletes over the last 18 months and we are confident that this release will deliver the best performance yet," he added.
Read said the All Blacks enjoyed working with adidas to help create the jersey. ‘‘We can’t wait to wear it out on the field.’’
The new jersey will debut against Japan in Tokyo on Saturday, with the team also wearing it on the rest of the Northern Tour. A new jersey will be launched for the World Cup next year in Japan, and then the white collar will return for 2020.
The white collar has an elastic fit and sits lower than normal, making it harder for opponents to grab.