Canterbury of New Zealand, the distinguished heritage brand and partner of the Irish Rugby Football Union, has launched a special edition Ireland rugby kit to commemorate 150 years of passionate play in Ireland.
In a nod to the rich history of Irish international rugby, this limited edition kit draws inspiration from the vintage 1875 style. It features a robust white collar and an emblematic crest, effortlessly blending historical charm with modern flair, thanks to Canterbury’s touch.
This celebratory release kicks off with 150 women’s jerseys available from September 13, aligned with the Irish Rugby’s 150th Anniversary Test match against the Wallaroos at Kingspan Stadium.
These jerseys are exclusive to Canterbury.com and Elverys.ie, beautifully packaged in a bespoke anniversary box.
The broader release, including men’s, women’s, and children’s jerseys, is slated for November 29 at select Intersport Elverys stores and online.
This release precedes the landmark 150th Anniversary Test match against the Wallabies at Aviva Stadium on November 30. Prices are set at a starting point of £60 / €75.
The IRFU has planned a season-long celebration for the 2024/25 season, marking the 150th anniversary of Ireland’s inaugural international rugby match against England on February 15, 1875.
The festivities will culminate with a historic match between the British & Irish Lions and Argentina at Aviva Stadium on June 20, 2025.
Simon Rowe, SVP Sports Marketing/Sponsorship at Canterbury, expressed his enthusiasm: “The 150th anniversary of Rugby in Ireland offers a unique occasion for fans to celebrate and own a piece of rugby history.
This kit honours Irish rugby’s legacy with its vintage-inspired design while incorporating cutting-edge performance technology for today’s athletes.”
Michael Collopy, Chair of the Commercial & Marketing Committee at IRFU, added: “The IRFU 150th is a pivotal chapter in Irish rugby’s narrative, and we are delighted that our teams will don this bespoke kit against Australia this autumn.
We believe it will resonate deeply with fans globally. Our gratitude extends to Canterbury for their exceptional craftsmanship and steadfast support.”
Philip Staunton, Buying Director at Elverys, highlighted: “Intersport Elverys is proud to celebrate this monumental anniversary with a jersey that is sure to become a collector’s favourite, mirroring our long-standing association with the IRFU since the early 20th century.”
Fans can anticipate the full kit release on November 29, with pre-registrations available on Elverys.ie and Canterbury.com.