Wallabies to wear artist’s indigenous-themed jerseys
SYDNEY: The Wallabies will wear an indigenous-themed jersey for the first time when they face New Zealand later this year to commemorate the role Aborigines have played in rugby.
The shirt, designed by a Sydney artist and unveiled yesterday by Kurtley Beale, symbolises indigenous and non-indigenous communities coming together as one.
It will be worn by the Australian team when they face the All Blacks in Brisbane on Oct 21 in the Bledisloe Cup final.
“As a current indigenous Wallaby, I hope that by wearing this jersey I can do my family and my people proud,” said Beale.
“There are heaps of young indigenous kids out there who are really talented at rugby, and I hope this jersey helps inspire them to strive to reach their goals in rugby and in life.”
Beale, 28, made his first public appearance on home soil yesterday since returning from a season-long spell at English club Wasps, where he suffered a hamstring injury in the Premiership semi-finals.
He last played for his country against the All Blacks in the 2015 World Cup final.
“I’m still in rehab, I still think I’ve got to get my knee, my leg [sorted out], I’ve lost a lot of muscle in that leg and it’s a bit of a slow process getting it back,” he said.
Australian Rugby Union chief Bill Pulver said: “Having an indigenous jersey is a real statement for Australian rugby and shows what we stand for.
“We are committed to making rugby a game for all, and a key part of this includes making rugby more accessible to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”