New Springbok jersey unveiled for Ultimate BokDay
The Springboks will play in the most innovative, cutting-edge jersey, designed by Canterbury, in 2013, with supporters also benefitting from the design-change for a new supporters’ jersey.
The new jersey was unveiled at a glittering function at the Castle of Good Hope in Cape Town on Thursday evening, where an array of current Springbok stars, former Boks and celebrities gathered.
“A lot of hard work has gone into producing the new jersey, which should benefit the Boks this year,” said SARU CEO Jurie Roux. “It will also be attractive to supporters to back the team by getting their hands on the new, official supporters gear.”
New features in the jersey include:
- State-of-the-art materials and blends (93% polyester and 7% elastane).
- Fewer panels and seams, providing extra comfort, ease of movement and stretch, as well as lighter weight and higher energy output.
- Ultimate body-mapping fit, thanks to a newly constructed Loop 21.1 neckline.
- Only one fabric used for both the body and the sleeves.
- Bold design for players and supporters.
- Authentic and easily recognizable.
Du Toit Botes, GM of Canterbury SA, said: “As our new banknotes carry a watermark, so our supporters will carry the Springbok embossing on their chests.
“Previously, the embossing was only found on the back neck of the Springboks’ Test jersey. For the first time ever, the supporters will carry the mark on their chests.
“The embossing will also be a clear indication of authentic jerseys and our unified fight against crime. Pledge your support to the Springboks and buy original.”
In anticipation of the new jersey’s release, thousands of fans went shirtless during an innovative online campaign. Apart from all the pictures and videos sent in as part of the competition, a number of Springboks, amongst them Jean de Villiers, Bryan Habana, Schalk Burger, Eben Etzebeth and Juan de Jongh, visited a Cape Town factory and actually helped make a jersey.
“I’ve played in a number of Springbok jerseys over the years, but I’m not going to lie to you – I’m very excited to play in the new Springbok jersey,” said Habana, the Springbok record holder for the most Test tries.
The new jersey will be available to the public from Friday 12 April, dubbed the “Ultimate BokDay”. Supporters can buy the new shirt from Canterbury retail stores, leading retailers such as Sportsman’s Warehouse, Total Sports and Sneakers, as well as independent shops.
A number of current and past Springboks will also be involved in two Springbok signing sessions on 12 April – one at the Amphitheatre at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, and the other at the piazza in Eastgate Shopping Centre, Johannesburg. Both will run from 14h00 to 16h00. Supporters will be able to buy their jerseys and get them signed by some of their favourite players.
About the Shirtless Campaign
In March 2013, a host of former Boks and SA celebrities pledged to go shirtless on BokDays until Springbok apparel sponsor, Canterbury, launched their new supporters’ jersey on 12 April. Former Springbok coach Nick Mallett, star loose forward Rob Louw, as well as celebrities such as Jeannie D and Leon Schuster went shirtless in support of the campaign … and soon enough they’d set a shirtless trend.
Within a month, thousands of South African supporters had gone shirtless and posted the evidence in anticipation of their new Bok jersey. The campaign gained massive traction across print, digital and TV, with an excess of 80 000 hits on BokTube, the Boks’ official YouTube channel.
Photo of Jersey sent to Rugby15 by a Springbok Fan
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