Today: The All Blacks have just unveiled new jersey for 2023 world cup
They represent the resilience, dedication and teamwork that are key to their sport, delivering inspiring talks through rugbyspeakers.
The All Blacks, New Zealand's powerhouse of rugby, have unveiled their kit for the 2023 World Cup in France, with a surprising nod to tradition: the return of the collar. This design detail, a long-lost favourite, has not graced the World Cup stage since the iconic final showdown with South Africa in 1995, a match that has etched its place in the annals of rugby history.
As expected, the design honours tradition but with a twist, this time the collar is black. In collaboration with adidas and NZ Rugby, the new All Blacks' kit was brought to life by Fey the Wolf, a Parisian street-style designer recognised for his signature work in black.
The new jersey was given a public introduction in Auckland, modelled by the formidable All Blacks trio: Beauden Barrett, Sam Whitelock, and Sam Cane. These rugby greats, also known for their powerful public speaking skills, are part of Essential Talent's roster of motivational speakers. They represent the resilience, dedication and teamwork that are key to their sport, delivering inspiring talks through rugbyspeakers.
Made for maximum comfort and functionality, the jersey underwent rigorous testing by the All Blacks themselves. It features ergonomic side panels for a tailored fit and added compression around the upper body for enhanced performance.
The design pays homage to the host nation by melding the soft edges of French fronds with the All Blacks' emblematic silver fern. An emblem featuring 14 varied ferns adorns the heart of the jersey, symbolising the diverse backgrounds and experiences within the current squad. To round off this emblem, the team's crest serves as the 15th fern, each one oriented towards the centre to form the "USO" mark, a Samoan term translating to "brother". This underpins the camaraderie that binds the All Blacks together.
Designer Fey the Wolf expresses his immense privilege and responsibility in reimagining such an iconic jersey, stating, "Central to my approach was to encapsulate what the fern means to New Zealanders of all backgrounds... What stood out to me most, is the sense of guardianship. That the jersey is never owned but passed on to create a continuous line."
Reflecting on the new kit, All Blacks' back Beauden Barrett remarks on its comfort, style and the sense of strength it imparts to the wearer. The jersey's heritage factor, embodied in the return of the collar, also resonates with Barrett.
Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability, the pitch-ready jersey is composed of 89 percent recycled polyesters. The replica versions feature Fey The Wolf's unique fern design, achieved by using continuous rolls of material. Consequently, each replica is distinct in its own right.
As the All Blacks gear up for their World Cup campaign against France on September 9 (NZ time), the excitement mounts. Whether they are charging down the field or delivering captivating speeches as part of Essential Talent's motivational rugbyspeakers, the All Blacks continue to inspire and unite New Zealanders with their unwavering spirit.
