Alternative strip woos Taranaki fans
Rugby fans have given the proposed Taranaki alternative strip an overwhelming thumbs up.
The Taranaki Daily Newsreceived hundreds of texts after asking for opinions on the jersey, designed by Opunake’s Doug Hawkins.
More than 90 per cent of respondents said they liked or loved it, with most wanting to know when it would be available to buy.
The strip, which could replace the black jersey the team wear when they play away to Bay of Plenty and Waikato, has some features symbolic of the province, including Mt Taranaki on the front and back.
It will not replace the traditional amber and black hooped jersey which will be worn on all other occasions.
Interest in the jersey was not just restricted to Taranaki, either, with some fans emailing from Switzerland and the United States to share their view.
‘‘I think it is fantastic and I will certainly buy one when the replicas are available and wear it with pride here in Switzerland,’’ former Kaponga man Graeme Eliason said.
There was also feedback from former players, including Campbell Feather, who was not a fan of the design.
‘‘I would be opposed to the wearing of this jersey for two reasons,’’ he wrote. ‘‘Firstly, an alternative jersey needs to be considerably different from the traditional amber and black jersey. The only dif- ference this jersey has from its traditional counterpart is the artwork in the midriff. Secondly, as rugby has progressed and changed even in the last 10 years since I represented Taranaki, the jerseys are one thing that connect the past with the present. When I get the opportunity to catch highlights of recent games it is the sight of the jersey that brings back the feeling of immense pride and fond memories. This is something that binds former players with the present, the tradition that has made the Taranaki jersey one of the most respected in the New Zealand rugby community.’’
A large number of people who texted made reference to the Maori designs on the shirt.
‘‘Never, ever, bought a Taranaki jersey in my 30 years but would definitely buy that and start supporting a team acknowledging its Maori history,’’ was typical of some views offered up.
There were also some people who hated the design.
‘‘That rugby jersey is bloody awful. Way too much clutter, it’s a rugby jersey, not a mural,’’ one said.
Taranaki Rugby chief executive Neil Pennington was delighted with the amount of feedback received, saying it did show fans were passionate about their team.
Once the design of the alternative jersey is decided, Taranaki Rugby needs New Zealand Rugby Union approval to wear it. Such approval is unlikely in time for their first ITM Cup game against Bay of Plenty in Tauranga.