Andy Devaney
The new Ireland Rugby jersey has landed, and Canterbury of New Zealand has gone back to the roots—quite literally—drawing inspiration from Ireland’s rugged countryside and vast night skies for the 2025/26 collection.
The home strip comes in Cadmium Green, a shade designed to echo the richness of the Irish landscape, while the pre-game shirt channels the deep tones of the Irish night. It’s Canterbury’s latest attempt to marry heritage with high performance, and it’s one the brand insists will deliver on both fronts.
This season’s offering is no small affair. Alongside the Test, Pro, and Classic jerseys, Canterbury has introduced a new “legends kit” and a broad training range. Fans won’t just be shopping online either; the launch includes a Landscape of Legends pop-up in Ticknock, where supporters can track down a hidden shop, meet Ireland stars, and walk away with prizes.
The campaign also marks the return of some familiar faces to the Ireland Rugby jersey—including British & Irish Lions alumni and Canterbury ambassadors Mack Hansen and Andrew Porter.
A Blend of Tradition and Performance
Andrew Porter, Ireland and Lions prop, was quick to praise the latest kit: “Canterbury really made a lot of noise last year with their hugely popular jerseys, especially the 150th edition. Seeing another jersey this year that celebrates the island of Ireland is fantastic.
“As always with Canterbury, there’s never any doubt the jersey performs at the highest level, so for it to also look this good is a massive bonus. It’s that rare mix of style and function done perfectly.”
That balance of aesthetics and functionality was deliberate, according to Canterbury’s SVP Simon Rowe: “Following the success of last year’s jerseys, especially the 150th anniversary kit, we wanted to carry that sense of tradition forward while ensuring the players have something that performs at the highest level.
We saw great reception to the collar, so have brought that into this year’s home kit. With both the men’s and women’s teams playing some of their best rugby, it only feels fitting to provide them with a jersey that matches those standards, and we can’t wait to see them wear it on the pitch.”
Fans at the Heart of the Launch
Retail partner Intersport Elverys is banking on the new jersey stirring up as much passion off the pitch as it does on it.
Philip Staunton, Buying Director of Intersport Elverys, said: “Building on the incredible momentum of the Green Wave campaign during the Rugby World Cup, we’re proud to unveil the 2025/26 Irish Rugby jersey as the Official Sports Retail Partner of Irish Rugby.
Designed by Canterbury, the new kit blends innovation with a deep respect for tradition – ensuring that both the men’s and women’s teams take the field in a jersey that inspires pride in players and fans alike. We look forward to welcoming Irish Rugby supporters to explore the new range from across the island and around the world in our stores nationwide and online at Elverys.ie.”
A Jersey for Big Moments
The IRFU has already circled some serious dates on the calendar where the new strip will make its debut.
Padraig Power, IRFU Chief Commercial Officer, added: “We are delighted to unveil our new range of Canterbury kit ahead of an exciting season for Irish Rugby. We are really looking forward to seeing our men’s and women’s teams wearing the jersey with pride, firstly in ‘The Rematch’ against New Zealand in Soldier Field, Chicago – ahead of an action-packed Quilter Nations Series this November – and then into the Guinness Men’s and Women’s Six Nations. The IRFU is hugely grateful to Canterbury for their long-standing support of Irish Rugby. Canterbury is an industry-leading brand which consistently produces top-quality clothing and kit and we are confident that Irish supporters around the world will wear the new kit with pride.”
Where to Get It
For fans itching to get their hands on the new Ireland Rugby jersey, the full 2025/26 collection is available now at Intersport Elverys stores nationwide and online at canterbury.com.